Firstly, get all of the x's onto one side of the equation and all of the numbers onto the other. To make it easier at the end, subtract the smaller value of x so that it doesn't become negative: 3x-10=12x-7 (-3x) -10=9x+7 (+7) -3=9x To get what a single value of x equals, divide -3 by 9. Then simplify the fraction (3/9 = 1/3) -3/9 = x = -1/3 (don't forget the negative sign!)