- 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
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.
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.