Keep the equation balanced.
Solve linear equations with brackets or an unknown on both sides. Follow worked examples, then try twenty questions with gradually less help.
This is one algebra foundation, with original practice that gives feedback rather than a score.
The lesson and practice open from a saved Year 9 equations goal with current learning access.
See both sides change together
| Move | Left | = | Right |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 5x − 7 | = | 2x + 11 |
| Subtract 2x on both sides | 3x − 7 | = | 11 |
| Add 7 on both sides | 3x | = | 18 |
| Divide both sides by 3 | x | = | 6 |
How you learn it
- Diagnose. Four short checks point to earlier ideas to revisit.
- I do. Follow two worked examples and their substitution checks.
- We do. Solve five guided equations with three prompts each.
- You do. Try five with two prompts, then ten independently.
- Revisit. Return after 3, 7 and 14 days to test the method again.
Your route in the Learning Map
The target skill and its 29 authored prerequisites form one saved route. Earlier lessons stay open for revision.
View all 30 lessons in the route
Number and algebra
- Counts forwards and backwards to 20Kindergarten
- Reads and writes numerals to 10Kindergarten
- Compares two groups to say which has more or fewerKindergarten
- Counts to 100 by ones and tensYears 1–2
- Combines and separates small groups to model adding and taking awayKindergarten
- Skip counts by 2s, 5s and 10sYears 1–2
- Represents two-digit numbers as tens and onesYears 1–2
- Places numbers up to 100 on a number lineYears 1–2
- Reads, writes and orders numbers to 1000Years 1–2
- Recalls addition facts to 20Years 1–2
- Recalls the related subtraction facts to 20Years 1–2
- Adds two-digit numbers with and without regroupingYears 1–2
- Recalls multiplication facts for 2s, 5s and 10sYears 3–4
- Subtracts two-digit numbers with and without regroupingYears 1–2
- Recalls multiplication facts to 10 × 10Years 3–4
- Models division as equal sharing and groupingYears 3–4
- Uses fact families to link multiplication and divisionYears 3–4
- Multiplies two- and three-digit numbers by a one-digit numberYears 3–4
- Orders, adds and subtracts positive and negative integersYears 7–8
- Describes number patterns and writes the ruleYears 7–8
- Divides two- and three-digit numbers by a one-digit number, with remaindersYears 3–4
- Applies the order of operations to whole-number calculationsYears 7–8
- Multiplies and divides integers, including with the order of operationsYears 7–8
- Uses algebraic notation with pronumeralsYears 7–8
- Simplifies algebraic expressions by collecting like termsYears 7–8
- Solves one-step linear equationsYears 7–8
- Expands expressions with brackets using the distributive lawYears 7–8
- Solves two-step linear equations, including with bracketsYears 7–8
- Expands and simplifies algebraic expressions using the distributive lawYears 9–10
- Solves linear equations of up to 3 steps, including pronumerals on both sides and grouping symbols (the target)Target skill · Years 9–10
What this covers
ACARA’s Year 9 numeracy proficiency descriptions include solving linear equations algebraically. This foundation develops NSW Stage 5 Core equations, part of the algebra strand of numeracy.
The 2026 Year 9 Numeracy assessment has 48 items across three tailored testlets and a 65-minute limit. It begins with a short non-calculator section before calculator-allowed work.
Algebra has a 10–20% target range across the full test. These twenty untimed practice questions focus on algebra.
Sources: 2026 assessment framework, NAPLAN proficiency descriptions, what is in the tests and NSW Stage 5 Mathematics (checked 5 October 2026). EdDots wrote these questions independently.