This exam tips covers Common Mistakes to Avoid within Linear Equations for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Linear Equations in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 16 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 4 of 5 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- WRONG: 3x + 7 = 22, so x = 22/3 + 7 (Forgetting to deal with +7 first)
- WRONG: Doing an operation to only ONE side (Must do the same to BOTH sides)
- RIGHT: Always do inverse operations in reverse order of BIDMAS
Practice questions for Linear Equations
What is the solution to 3x = 12?
Solve x + 7 = 15
Quick recall flashcards
What does 'solving an equation' mean?
Finding the value of the unknown (e.g. x) that makes the equation true. You isolate x by doing the same operation to both sides.
Golden Rule of solving equations
Whatever you do to one side, you MUST do to the other side to keep the equation balanced.