1. Let's start by stating the problem: solving an algebra question generally means finding the value(s) of the variable(s) that satisfy the given equation or inequality. 2. The most common algebraic problem is solving linear equations of the form $ax + b = 0$, where $a$ and $b$ are constants. 3. The formula to solve for $x$ is derived by isolating $x$ on one side: $$ax + b = 0 \implies ax = -b \implies x = \frac{-b}{a}$$ 4. Important rules: - You can add or subtract the same number from both sides of the equation. - You can multiply or divide both sides by the same nonzero number. 5. Example: Solve $3x + 6 = 0$ - Subtract 6 from both sides: $3x = -6$ - Divide both sides by 3: $x = \frac{-6}{3} = -2$ 6. So, the solution is $x = -2$. This method applies to many algebra problems by isolating the variable step-by-step.