Step by step
The question
Question: solve (x + 1)/2 = 3.
1 Remove the fraction
The bottom number is 2.
Times 2 will remove it.
We multiply every part by 2.
We do it on both sides.
Why both sides?
The = sign means both sides are the same amount.
If we change only one side, they are not the same any more.
2 divided by 2 is 1.
Write what is left.
Do the multiplications.
No more fractions!
2 Open the brackets
A bracket with a plus or nothing in front can just be removed.
3 Remove the + 1
We want x by itself.
The + 1 is in the way.
To remove + 1, we take away 1.
We do it on both sides, so they stay equal.
+ 1 and − 1 make zero.
Cross them out.
6 − 1 = 5.
So x = 5!
4 Check
Let's check: put 5 in place of x.
We get 3, the same as the right side.
So x = 5 is right!
Let's look back.
First: remove the fraction.
Then: open the brackets.
Then: remove the + 1.
Last: check.