Step-by-Step Algebra Solver
Algebra Calculator That Shows Work
Solve basic algebra problems and see the work clearly. Use this calculator for simple linear equations, solve-for-x questions, combining like terms, and equations with parentheses.
Best for students who want to understand algebra steps instead of only getting the final value of x.
Algebra Example
2x + 5 = 17
Step 1: Subtract 5 from both sides.
2x = 12
Step 2: Divide both sides by 2.
x = 6
Algebra Calculator With Steps
Enter a basic algebra equation and solve for x
Type a simple linear equation and see the algebra work. This tool supports basic solve-for-x equations like 2x + 5 = 17, 3x - 4 = 11, and 5x + 2 = 3x + 12.
Important
This tool is for basic linear equations with x. For direct equation solving, use the Equation Solver With Steps.
Algebra Work
Ready to solve
Enter a basic algebra equation and click “Show Algebra Work” to see the steps.
Need broader math support? Use the Calculator That Shows Work. For arithmetic basics, use the Basic Calculator That Shows Work.
How It Shows Work
It solves algebra by isolating x step by step
Algebra becomes easier when each move is clear. This calculator shows how terms are moved, simplified, and divided until the value of x is found.
Reads both sides of the equation
Enter an equation like 2x + 5 = 17 or 5x + 2 = 3x + 12. The calculator reads the left side and the right side separately.
Separates x terms and number terms
It moves x terms to one side and constant number terms to the other side so the equation becomes easier to solve.
Simplifies both sides
After moving terms, it simplifies the equation into a cleaner form like 2x = 12 or x = 6.
Gives the final value of x
The final answer is shown clearly after the steps, so you can check both the result and the algebra method.
Supported Algebra Problems
What algebra problems can this calculator solve?
This algebra calculator is focused on basic algebra and linear equations. Use it when you need to solve for x and understand each step clearly.
01
Solve for x
Solve basic equations where x has one clear value, such as 2x + 5 = 17.
02
Linear equations
Work with simple one-variable linear equations like 3x - 4 = 11 or 4x = 28.
03
Equations on both sides
Solve equations where x appears on both sides, such as 5x + 2 = 3x + 12.
04
Like terms
Understand how x terms and number terms are separated before solving.
05
Positive and negative numbers
Use equations with addition and subtraction, including simple negative terms.
06
Step checking
Use the calculator to check the method and final answer for basic algebra homework practice.
Important limit
This page is focused on basic algebra and linear equations. For direct equation solving, use the Equation Solver With Steps. For broader math questions, use the Calculator That Shows Work.
Algebra Rules
Basic algebra rules this calculator follows
To solve for x, the calculator follows simple algebra rules: keep both sides balanced, move like terms together, simplify, and isolate x.
01
Keep both sides balanced
Whatever you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other side too.
02
Move x terms together
Put all x terms on one side so the variable becomes easier to isolate.
03
Move numbers together
Move constant numbers to the opposite side from the x terms.
04
Combine like terms
Add or subtract similar terms, such as x terms with x terms and numbers with numbers.
05
Divide by the x coefficient
If the equation becomes 2x = 12, divide both sides by 2 to get x = 6.
06
Check the answer
Put the value of x back into the original equation to confirm both sides match.
Quick rule
Algebra is about keeping the equation balanced while isolating x. If you need a direct solve-for-equation page, use the Equation Solver With Steps.
Algebra Examples
Algebra examples with step-by-step work
These examples show how to solve basic algebra equations by moving terms, simplifying both sides, and isolating x.
Example 1
2x + 5 = 17
Step 1: Subtract 5 from both sides.
Step 2: 2x + 5 − 5 = 17 − 5, so 2x = 12.
Step 3: Divide both sides by 2.
Answer: x = 6
Example 2
3x - 4 = 11
Step 1: Add 4 to both sides.
Step 2: 3x - 4 + 4 = 11 + 4, so 3x = 15.
Step 3: Divide both sides by 3.
Answer: x = 5
Example 3
5x + 2 = 3x + 12
Step 1: Subtract 3x from both sides.
Step 2: 2x + 2 = 12.
Step 3: Subtract 2 from both sides, so 2x = 10.
Step 4: Divide both sides by 2.
Answer: x = 5
Example 4
x + 9 = 21
Step 1: Subtract 9 from both sides.
Step 2: x + 9 − 9 = 21 − 9.
Step 3: Simplify both sides.
Answer: x = 12
Need direct equation solving? Try the Equation Solver With Steps. For broader math questions, use the Calculator That Shows Work.
Common Mistakes
Common algebra mistakes to avoid
Most algebra mistakes happen when students move terms without balancing both sides, forget signs, or divide by the wrong coefficient.
Mistake 1
Doing something to only one side
In algebra, the equation must stay balanced. If you subtract, add, multiply, or divide one side, you must do the same to the other side.
Correct: 2x + 5 = 17 → subtract 5 from both sides.
Mistake 2
Losing the negative sign
A negative sign is part of the term. If you drop it while moving or combining terms, the final value of x can become wrong.
Correct: 3x - 4 = 11 → add 4 to both sides, so 3x = 15.
Mistake 3
Not combining like terms
x terms should be combined with x terms, and number terms should be combined with number terms. Mixing them creates wrong steps.
Correct: 5x + 2 = 3x + 12 → subtract 3x from both sides.
Mistake 4
Forgetting to divide by the coefficient
If the equation becomes 2x = 12, the answer is not x = 12. You must divide both sides by the coefficient of x.
Correct: 2x = 12 → x = 12 ÷ 2 → x = 6.
Best way to avoid algebra mistakes
Write each step clearly and check whether both sides of the equation stay balanced. Use the algebra calculator above to check the solving steps, or use the Equation Solver With Steps for direct equation practice.
Algebra Calculator FAQs
Questions about algebra calculator that shows work
Here are simple answers about solving algebra equations, isolating x, combining like terms, and using this calculator for basic algebra practice.
What is an algebra calculator that shows work?
An algebra calculator that shows work solves basic algebra equations and explains the steps used to reach the answer. It helps with solve-for-x problems, linear equations, moving terms, combining like terms, and isolating x.
Can this calculator solve for x?
Yes. This calculator is designed for basic solve-for-x equations such as 2x + 5 = 17, 3x - 4 = 11, and 5x + 2 = 3x + 12.
What algebra problems can this calculator solve?
This calculator can solve basic one-variable linear equations. It works best for simple algebra problems where x has one clear value.
How do you solve a basic algebra equation?
To solve a basic algebra equation, move x terms to one side, move number terms to the other side, simplify both sides, and divide by the coefficient of x.
Does this calculator show each algebra step?
Yes. It shows the basic steps for identifying terms, moving x terms, moving number terms, simplifying, and finding the final value of x.
Is this the same as an equation solver?
Not exactly. This page focuses on basic algebra and solve-for-x learning. For direct equation solving, use the Equation Solver With Steps.
Can I use this calculator for algebra homework?
Yes, but use it to understand the method and check your work. Do not copy answers blindly. For broader math questions, use the Calculator That Shows Work.
Practice Algebra With Steps
Learn how to solve for x instead of guessing the answer
Use this algebra calculator when you want to understand how terms move, how both sides stay balanced, and how x is isolated step by step.
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