Think of an equation like a balance scale. For it to always remain balance, the weight on one side of the scale has to equal the other side. If you like to increase the weight on the left side, for instance, by 2 pounds then you must add 2 pounds of weight on the right side. In the same manner, if you want to reduce the weight on one side, say by 10 pounds, you must also reduce 10 pounds of weight on the other.

In this section, we are dealing with an equation that can be solved by a single step. Consider this equation:

Even without any knowledge in algebra, this equation is solvable by inspection. The equation requires the left hand side to equal 19. For that to happen, the variable "x" should take the value of 16.

But, how do we solve it other than by inspection? The following is a key summary of main points.

Now, we'll try solving the equation using the key points presented above.

I want you to pay attention on the coefficient ( the number attached to the variable)  of x in the final answer. As stated in the key points, the coefficient of the isolated variable of your final answer MUST be +1. Always remember this simple idea. It will save you from unnecessary mistakes later.