GCSE linear equations revision
Use this page as a quick GCSE linear equations refresher before checking your own equation in the solver tool.
Start here if you want the short version before reading the full method.
- GCSE linear equations usually test the same core idea: isolate the variable by undoing operations in the right order.
- The most useful final habit is to substitute the answer back into the original equation before moving on.
What this topic means and what to look for first.
Linear equations are often one of the first GCSE algebra topics students return to during revision.
The main idea is always the same: isolate the variable by undoing the operations.
One reliable route through the topic.
- 1Simplify the equation if needed.
- 2Undo addition or subtraction first.
- 3Undo multiplication or division next.
- 4Check the answer by substitution.
See the method in action.
5x + 3 = 18
- Subtract 3 to get 5x = 15.
- Divide by 5.
- So x = 3.
4 - 2y = 10
- Subtract 4 from both sides to get -2y = 6.
- Divide by -2.
- So y = -3.
Things that commonly send the method off track.
- Forgetting that dividing by a negative changes the sign of the answer.
- Applying operations to only one side of the equation.
Use a short verification pass before moving on.
- Put the final value back into the original equation and compare both sides directly.
- If the equation had a negative or a bracket, recheck that line first if the answer fails.
Try a few variations before switching to a calculator or solver tool.
- 6x - 5 = 19
- 3(x + 2) = 21
- x/2 + 4 = 10
- 0.5x + 1 = 4
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Short answers worth checking.
Many slips happen when subtraction is undone in the wrong direction or when a negative sign is dropped.
Put the value back into the original equation and confirm both sides match.
Continue with the next closely related topic.
Use the public site structure first, then switch into the solver tool only if you need a direct test.
CureMath uses artificial intelligence to suggest how a maths problem could potentially be solved. AI can make mistakes.
Check important answers independently before relying on them.