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
8b + 3 = 23 + 3b
Answer
Subtract 3 from both sides:
8b + 3 - 3 = 23 + 3b - 3
Simplify:
8b = 20 + 3b
Subtract 3b from both sides:
8b - 3b = 20 + 3b - 3b
Simplify:
5b = 20
Divide both sides by 5:
5b ÷ 5 = 20 ÷ 5
Simplify:
b = 4
It's simple if you take it one step at a time and write down each of the steps in the process.
Let's practise with the following questions.