How do I do algebra when there is an x on both sides?

If you are trying to work out what x is, then we need to end up with something that looks like: [x = ... ] On one side we have just 'x' and on the other side we have no 'x's. So x = 44 is already solved and so is x = 2y +3z +2.On the other hand, if it looks like 2x = x + 2 then we still have work to do. We can picture an equation as a set of old fashioned scales, both sides balanced around the equals sign (=). Everything on the left adds up to the same as everything on the right. If I add something to one side, I have to add the same amount to the other, or they will no longer be equal / 'balanced'. So to get to just x on one side we take away an x from both sides (maintaining the balance) and giving us, in this case, x = 2. We can work through more complex examples together

RB
Answered by Robbie B. Maths tutor

2509 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Here is a right-angled triangle (base = 8cm and height = 9cm) and a rectangle (length = 16cm). The area of the rectangle is 6 times the area of the triangle. Work out the width of the rectangle.


20% of 14,000


How can i solve the following simultaneous equations? 5x + y = 4 and 3x + 2y = 5?


Work out an estimate for the value of (8.1 x 198)/0.0491


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning