What it looks like
2x = 8
2x means 2 times x. There is no times sign. Two lots of x make 8.
To get x on its own, divide by 2. Dividing undoes multiplying.
Worked example 1
2x = 8
Divide both sides by 2
x = 4
Check it: 2 times 4 is 8. It works.
Worked example 2
This time x has been divided.
x ÷ 3 = 5
Multiply both sides by 3
x = 15
The answer is bigger than the number you started with. That is fine. Check it: 15 ÷ 3 is 5.
The most common mistake
Subtracting the number in front of x.
Not this
2x = 8, subtract 2 from both sides
2x − 2 = 6
The 2 in front of x is still there.
This
2x = 8, divide both sides by 2
x = 4
The 2 is multiplying x. Only dividing undoes it.
In the game
You meet these puzzles in the Ice Keep.