Solving Algebraic Equations Step by Step

Sheena Doria

This comprehensive math tutorial guides students through the process of solving algebraic equations, progressing from basic one-step problems to more complex multi-step equations. Hosted by an animated teacher avatar, the video systematically demonstrates how to isolate a variable to find its value using inverse operations. Each example begins with a word phrase (e.g., "a number increased by 7") that is first translated into a mathematical equation, helping students connect linguistic concepts with algebraic notation. The video covers fundamental algebraic themes including the identification of variables, constants, and coefficients. It explicitly teaches the concept of balancing equations—doing the same operation to both sides—covering addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division properties of equality. A significant portion of the video is dedicated to verification, showing students exactly how to substitute their answer back into the original equation to check for accuracy, a critical self-regulation skill in mathematics. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent instructional tool for introducing pre-algebra concepts or reviewing equation solving in middle school classrooms. The clear, step-by-step visual breakdowns of the "balancing method" versus the "transposition method" provide flexible strategies for different learners. The inclusion of multi-step equations involving simplifying terms and handling parentheses makes this suitable for differentiated instruction, allowing teachers to scaffold learning from simple unknowns to complex problem-solving.