Multi Step Equation Calculator

Work out multi step equation instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Multi Step Equation Calculator

With unknowns on both sides, gather the x terms on one side and the constants on the other. That gives (a − c)x = d − b, so x = (d − b)/(a − c).

Formula

Multi-step solution

ax + b = cx + d ⇒ x = (d − b) / (a − c)

Worked example

With the default values below, Multi Step Equation Calculator returns x of 5.00000000. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Coefficient a in ax + b = cx + d: 5
Constant b: 3
Coefficient c: 2
Constant d: 18

Results

x: 5.00000000
a − c after collecting x terms: 3.00000000
d − b after collecting constants: 15.00000000
Value of both sides at the solution: 28.00000000

Step by step

1Values used
2Multi-step solution
3x= 5.00000000
4a − c after collecting x terms= 3.00000000
5d − b after collecting constants= 15.00000000
6Value of both sides at the solution= 28.00000000

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 8 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Solve 5x + 3 = 2x + 18.

3x = 15, so x = 5, and both sides equal 28.

What if a equals c?

The x terms vanish. Either the equation is an identity with infinitely many solutions, or it is contradictory with none.