When we solve algebraic equations, our aim is to end up with one letter on one side of the equals sign and one number on the other.  This is the solution.

We do this by using inverse operations to undo things that get in the way, but remember that we must do the same thing to both sides.

Example

6b + 3 = 23 + b

Answer

Subtract 3 from both sides:

6b + 3 - 3 = 23 + b - 3

Simplify:

6b = 20 + b

Subtract b from both sides:

6b - b = 20 + b - b

Simplify:

5b = 20

Divide both sides by 5:

5b ÷ 5 = 20 ÷ 5

Simplify:

b = 4

There's a lot to do to solve equations like this, but just take it one step at a time and you'll soon find them easy!