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This topic solves linear equations, including those with brackets, fractions and the unknown on both sides, by keeping the equation balanced. It's examined right across GCSE and iGCSE Maths. Work through it free on eClassroom, with clear worked examples and instantly-marked questions that build your confidence for the exam.
How you do it
Expand brackets and clear fractions first, then collect the letters on one side and the numbers on the other, doing the same to both sides each time. Divide by the coefficient at the end and check by substituting back.
Before you start
Get simplifying expressions and inverse operations straight before you begin. This is the foundation for simultaneous equations and inequalities.
What you learn
To solve an equation is to find the value of the letter that makes it true. We use inverse operations to get the letter on its own, always doing the same to both sides to keep the equation balanced. Undo the operations on the letter, in reverse order, doing the same to both sides. Either expand the bracket first, or divide by the number outside it. When the letter appears on both sides, collect the letters on one side and the numbers on the other, then solve as usual. The course works through solving by inverse operations, equations with brackets and unknown on both sides. Every section has instant-feedback practice questions matched to Edexcel iGCSE 4MA1 and the other major GCSE boards, and the course finishes with full exam-style questions you mark yourself.
Related Topics
In our GCSE maths courses, Linear Equations belongs to Algebra and is met in Foundation tier. You work through 3 concepts and 2 worked examples, testing yourself at 3 points. Related topics students usually take next include Linear Graphs, Quadratic Equations, Quadratic Inequalities, Rearranging Formulae and Sequences. You can drill this strand further on the Algebra revision engine, with your accuracy saved to your skill tree.
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