To solve for the variable in an equation, you have to isolate the variable. Whatever you do on one side of an equation is what you have to do on the other side as well. For example 5x+6=41, you do -6 which becomes 5x+6-6=41-6,    5x=35, divide by 5 on both sides; 5x/5=35/5; x=7. and there, that how to solve for a one variable algebraic equation.