I am going to show how to solve and check simple Algebra Equations. They may seem complicated but they are real simple once you get used to them.

Here is an example of a problem:

X+1=2 where X is the variable.

X is the number we are trying to solve. Just think it as working backwards in a problem. Like in the example, you have to find out what number plus 1 equals 2. Simple right, but what if it was this:

(3X+99)/(X+33)

It would be harder to solve you see if you guess and check.

So lets bring back the original equation:

X+1=2

The way to solve it is to get the 1 onto the other side of the equation by balancing equations. To balance an equation you must do something to both sides of the = sign.

Here a quick example:

70=70, if you wanted to add 2 to the first 70, you would have to add it to the other side of the = sign like this.

70+2=70+2 which equals 72=72.

So to solve X+1=2, you have to subtract 1 from the side: X+1. This cancels out the 1 and the 1 you subtracted. But remember you also have to do the same to the 2. So you would end up with X=1.

Here’s a visual:

X+1=2

 -1  -1

X=1

Now lets check our answer and since it states that X=1, we can put 1 wherever there is an X. So if we bring back X+1=2, you substitute X for 1 and it becomes 1+1+2.

That wasn’t so bad. All you have to do is the opposite of what it shows. If it is 3X=9, you divide the 3 on both sides. In X-2=2, you add 2 onto both sides.

Try some of these problems and look back at the example if you get stuck:

X+33=33

X-5=0

4X=12

X/12=2

Post any coments about any changes or additions I can make.