Solve: 6x + 3 = 3x + 9

There are a few ways to tackle this particular style of problem. First off we can try doing it without using any bracket theory and just focus on the raw numbers (a somewhat simpler approach). Step 1: We're going to collect the x values onto one side of the equation. We do this by subtracting 3x from both sides, 6x + 3 - 3x = 3x + 9 - 3x which leaves us with 3x + 3 = 9 .Step 2: Now we want to move all the constant values (Numbers without x next to them) onto the other side away from the x. We do this by subracting 3 from both sides giving us 3x = 6. Step 3: Lastly we have 3 lots of x on one side and a constant on the other and we want to know what one lot of x is equal to. So if we divide both sides by 3 we are left with x = 2 which we can check by putting it back into the original equation. Does (6x2)+3 = (3x2)+9 15=15 so we've got the right solution. Just a quick aside on a slightly quicker but more complex method: Step 1: We see that the values on the RHS (Right Hand Side) of the equation are all divisible by 3 so we take 3 out and insert brackets : 3x + 9 becomes 3(x+3). Step 2: Divide both sides by the stuff outside the bracket in this case 3, giving you 2x + 1 = x + 3 then go through the first style with a simpler equation.