AlgebraIntroduction

The Golden Rule of Equations

Part of Linear Equations · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision

This introduction covers The Golden Rule of Equations 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 1 of 5 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 1 of 5

Practice

16 questions

Recall

12 flashcards

The Golden Rule of Equations

Think of an equation like a perfectly balanced scale. Whatever you do to one side, you MUST do to the other side to keep it balanced. Want to remove the +7? Subtract 7 from BOTH sides. Want to get rid of the "times 3"? Divide BOTH sides by 3. The goal: get x completely alone on one side.

Solving linear equations - balance method, step-by-step solve, inverse operations, unknowns on both sides

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Linear Equations. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Method: Solving ax + b = c Worked Example 1: Two-Step Equation Common Mistakes to Avoid

Practice Questions for Linear Equations

What is the solution to 3x = 12?

A. x = 3
B. x = 4
C. x = 9
D. x = 36

1 markfoundation

Solve x + 7 = 15

1 markfoundation

Quick Recall Flashcards

Golden Rule of solving equations

Whatever you do to one side, you MUST do to the other side to keep the equation balanced.

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.

16 questions on Linear Equations — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 12 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.

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Linear Equations

Method: Solving ax + b = c