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Maths•JHS Algebra & Linear Equations

Solving linear equations

Junior High 6 questions
AI-drafted from platform data — specialist review scheduledBy DigiTransact Mastermind editorial teamLast updated
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What solving linear equations means

You learn how to find the unknown in simple equations by keeping both sides balanced. This helps you check your working and solve algebra questions with confidence.

What you will practise

  • Find the value of one unknown in simple equations
  • Undo addition or subtraction to isolate the letter
  • Undo multiplication or division in two-step equations
  • Check answers by substituting them back into the equation

Before you start

You should be comfortable with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It also helps to know how to simplify simple expressions before solving.

Not confident yet? Work through Simplifying expressions first.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Solve x + 7 = 12.

  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 19
Answer: 5

Working: Subtract 7 from both sides: x = 12 − 7 = 5.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Changing only one side of the equation. Always do the same operation to both sides.
  • Forgetting to reverse the operation. Use subtraction for addition, and division for multiplication.
  • Stopping before the final step in two-step equations. Clear the number first, then solve for the unknown.
  • Not checking the answer. Put your value back into the equation to see if both sides match.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 7 to 9 syllabusBECE

This usually appears in Junior High School algebra work, after learners have practised simplifying expressions and before more advanced equation topics. It supports the type of problem-solving often tested in the BECE.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.

Related skills

Other JHS Algebra & Linear Equations skills in Maths, at the same point in the course.

Other Maths topics

Picture Addition & SubtractionEarly NumeracyNumber BasicsSHS Core MathematicsUniversity MathematicsAlgebra

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Exams that assess solving linear equations

Junior High work on this skill feeds directly into these exam papers. Each page lists the Maths topics that appear on it.

BECEBECE practice questionsFree BECE practice across the subjects at this stage, with worked answers.GESGES practice questionsFree GES practice across the subjects at this stage, with worked answers.WASSCEWASSCE practice questionsListed as a related subject on the WASSCE practice page.

How this page was produced

This text was drafted with AI assistance from the questions and topics already stored on the platform. A subject-specialist review is scheduled but has not yet been recorded, so we do not claim it here.

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Practise solving linear equations

6 questions with a worked answer after every attempt, and a SmartScore that tracks how close you are to mastery.

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