Solve by Balancing

Do the same thing to both sides

You're given an equation. Pick an operation and a number — it's applied to both sides at once, like a real balance, and the beam above reacts. Peel away everything around x until it stands alone. When x sits on both sides, subtract a variable term to gather it. Nothing is locked off: root or take a log whenever you like, and if the move leads nowhere you'll see exactly where it lands. Every step is recorded; tap an earlier line to jump back.