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Solving Equations Practice

Practise solving one-step and two-step equations for x — the first real algebra.

Grades 6–8 · 6.EE⚡ Middle school
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How to solve an equation

Solving an equation means finding the value of x that makes it true. The key idea: do the same thing to both sides to keep it balanced, working backwards through the operations.

  1. One step: undo what’s done to x — if 5 is added, subtract 5 from both sides.
  2. Multiplication: if x is multiplied by 3, divide both sides by 3.
  3. Two steps: undo addition/subtraction first, then multiplication/division.

Worked examples

One stepx + 7 = 12 — subtract 7 from both sides: x = 5.
Two steps2x + 5 = 17 — subtract 5 to get 2x = 12, then divide by 2: x = 6.
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Tips & common mistakes

  • Doing something to one side but not the other — both sides must stay balanced.
  • In two-step equations, dividing before undoing the addition.
  • Forgetting that the goal is to get x by itself.

Frequently asked questions

What does solving for x mean?

Finding the number x stands for that makes the equation true — in x + 3 = 10, x = 7.

How do you solve a one-step equation?

Undo the operation on x by doing the inverse to both sides — subtract to undo adding, divide to undo multiplying.

How do you solve a two-step equation?

Undo addition or subtraction first, then the multiplication or division. For 3x + 4 = 19, subtract 4, then divide by 3.

Why do you do the same thing to both sides?

To keep the equation balanced — an equation is a statement that both sides are equal, and equal changes keep them equal.

What grade is this algebra?

One- and two-step equations are grades 6–7; they extend through grade 8.

Keep practising

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