From June 2015 Edexcel paper: Solve 7x + 8 = 2x – 3

Whenever you have a question asking you to solve an algebraic equation with only one unknown (x) you must put all 'x' terms on one side of the equation and all non-'x' terms on the other: 1. Take 2x away from both sides 7x + 8 - 2x = -3 5x + 8 = -3 2. Now take 8 away from both sides, leaving only 'x' terms on the left and only numbers on the right 5x = -3 - 8 5x = -11 3. To solve for 'x' we need to divide both sides by 5 x = -11/5 x = -2.2 It is fine to leave the answer in either form (as a fraction or a decimal). Be warned though that if the answer doesn't result in a friendly decimal (one or two dp.) then it is best to leave it as a fraction.