Math basics › Algebra basics
Solving a linear equation
Undo, in reverse order
Whatever was done to x last, undo first. If x was multiplied by 3 then had 4 added, subtract 4 first, then divide by 3.
Whatever you do to one side, do to the other
That is the whole rule. The equals sign stays true only if both sides change identically.
Check it
Put your answer back in the original equation. Both sides should come out the same number.