Algebra can be challenging, but using a structured approach to solve for an unknown variable (x) makes it much easier. This calculator is designed to solve basic linear equations in the format ax + b = c.
The Algebra Logic
To find the value of x, we follow the order of operations in reverse. The goal is to isolate x on one side of the equation:
Step 1: Subtract "b" from both sides of the equation (ax = c – b).
Step 2: Divide by "a" to isolate x (x = (c – b) / a).
Example Calculation
Suppose you have the equation: 4x + 12 = 36
Identify variables: a = 4, b = 12, c = 36.
Subtract 12 from 36: 36 – 12 = 24.
Equation is now: 4x = 24.
Divide 24 by 4: x = 6.
Common Use Cases
This type of math is used daily in various fields:
Physics: Solving for time or velocity in motion equations.
Chemistry: Balancing concentrations and molarity.
Finance: Determining break-even points in business costs.
Geometry: Finding missing lengths or angles in basic shapes.
function solveAlgebra() {
var a = parseFloat(document.getElementById("coeffA").value);
var b = parseFloat(document.getElementById("constB").value);
var c = parseFloat(document.getElementById("resC").value);
var stepsDiv = document.getElementById("stepsDisplay");
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("finalResult");
var solutionBox = document.getElementById("solutionBox");
if (isNaN(a) || isNaN(b) || isNaN(c)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers in all fields.");
return;
}
if (a === 0) {
solutionBox.style.display = "block";
stepsDiv.innerHTML = "If a = 0, the equation becomes " + b + " = " + c + ".";
if (b === c) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Infinite solutions (Identity)";
} else {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "No solution (Contradiction)";
}
return;
}
solutionBox.style.display = "block";
var step1Val = c – b;
var step2Val = step1Val / a;
var stepsHtml = "1. Original: " + a + "x + " + b + " = " + c + "";
stepsHtml += "2. Subtract " + b + " from both sides: " + a + "x = " + c + " – " + b + "";
stepsHtml += "3. Simplify: " + a + "x = " + step1Val + "";
stepsHtml += "4. Divide by " + a + ": x = " + step1Val + " / " + a;
stepsDiv.innerHTML = stepsHtml;
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Result: x = " + Number(step2Val.toFixed(4));
}
function resetMathPapa() {
document.getElementById("coeffA").value = "";
document.getElementById("constB").value = "";
document.getElementById("resC").value = "";
document.getElementById("solutionBox").style.display = "none";
}