GCSE MATHS PRACTICE
GCSE Solving Linear Equations Questions
Solve a linear equation by keeping both sides balanced: perform the same operation on each side until the unknown is isolated. Expand brackets first when needed, then collect the unknown terms on one side and constants on the other. Check by substituting your answer into the original equation. Try these four samples before continuing with the full app lessons.
Updated 11 October 2026
Worked example
Solve 5x + 7 = 2x + 25.
- Subtract 2x from both sides: 3x + 7 = 25.
- Subtract 7 from both sides: 3x = 18.
- Divide both sides by 3: x = 6. Check: 5 × 6 + 7 = 37 and 2 × 6 + 25 = 37.
Answer: x = 6
Practice questions
- 1
Solve x + 9 = 23.
- 2
Solve 7x − 8 = 34.
- 3
Solve 4(x − 3) = 28.
- 4
Solve 3(2x − 5) = 4x + 9.
Show answers
- 1. x = 14
- 2. x = 6
- 3. x = 10
- 4. x = 12
Common mistakes
- Changing only one side — Apply the same operation to both sides to preserve equality.
- Expanding only part of a bracket — Multiply every term inside the bracket.
- Losing a negative sign — Keep the sign attached to its term and check the solution in the original equation.