Extra Maths Classes · Grade 7 › Algebra: find x

Free Extra Maths Class · Grade 7

Algebra: expressions and equations

A letter stands for an unknown number. Learn to find x by keeping both sides balanced. Read one step, play with it, then tap “I understand this”.

Your progress0 of 4

A letter for a number

In algebra we use a letter, like x, for a number we do not know or that can change. 3x + 2 means: 3 times x, plus 2.

Play · Change the numbers

Substitute the value

Change a, b and x. See how the value of the expression changes.

Meerkat tip

3x means 3 × x. We leave out the times sign. If x = 4, then 3x = 12, not 34!

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An equation is a balance

To find x, we undo the sum with the opposite operation, and we do it to both sides, so the balance stays level.

Play · Step through it

The equation solver

Choose a kind of equation and tap “Next step”.

Rule

Plus ↔ minus, times ↔ divide. Always do the same to both sides.

Why to both sides?

An equation is a level balance. If you take something off one side only, the balance tips and the two sides are no longer equal. Do the same to both sides and it stays level.

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Practise: find x

Game

Find x

Type the value of x.

In a row: 0

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From words to an equation

WordsI think of a number, multiply it by 4 and add 3. I get 31.

Equation4x + 3 = 31

Solve4x = 28 → x = 7

Meerkat tip

Always check by putting your answer back: 4 × 7 + 3 = 31 ✓

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Check yourself

Remember this: your summary

A letter stands for a number. 3x means 3 × x.
An equation is a level balance: do the same to both sides.
Undo in the opposite order: first + or −, then × or ÷.
Check by putting your answer back in.

Write these points in your maths book. Read them again the night before the test.

Quiz

Quick questions

Tap an answer. If you get one wrong, read why and go back to that step. You get new questions every time.

You ticked all 4 steps! Now you are ready for the quiz.

Free PDF to downloadPrint the practice sheet and practise on paper. The memo is on page 2: try on your own first.

Practice sheet for this classQuestions + memo · 3 A4 pagesPractice sheet
Numbers, Patterns and Algebra8 pages · PDFPaper Memo
Patterns and algebra8 pages · PDFPaper Memo

All 14 free Grade 7 maths papers →

Ready for more? The Grade 7 algebra quiz gives you new equations every time.

Start the algebra quiz All Grade 7 classes

For parents

One step a day is enough. Ten calm minutes work better than an hour the night before the test.
“I am thinking of a number” games are perfect algebra practice. Let your child give you one to solve too.
Ask your child to tell you the rule in their own words. If they can explain it, they understand it.
The ticks (“I understand this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.

Follows CAPS for Grade 7 Maths. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.