Introduction to Elementary Algebra

Help on solving algebra math problems Simple step by step method

We are now ready to start solving the equation below.

Solving means to know the value for 'x'. We know the value of 'x' when we can say: 'x' is equal to

Or

the left side of the equal sign.

Most important rule: Because both sides of an equation are EQUAL, any operation we do on one side must be done on the other side.
So lets start

We already got an x of the left side. But we dont want the x on the right side. What can we do? We know from the previous lesson that we can make the +2x disappear if we use

On the right side of the equation. Because it is the opposite operation. But remember: to keep things legal we must do the same thing on the left side also. Lets do it On the right side of the equal sign

Is equal to zero.

The equation becomes

On the left side we can put the 'x's together like this

Its easy to see that

Now the equation becomes

Which is the same as

because This is where we are now

If we can make the -4 disappear we finally get the x alone on the left side of the equal sign and we can say that we solved the equation. The opposite of -4 is +4 so lets do it on BOTH sides.

On the left side: -4 + 4 is equal to zero. On the right side: 7 + 4 is equal to 11. or

Bye for now. More answers to algebra problems examples in a few days.