Solving Linear Equations | Expand and Collect Both Sides | Level 39 Skill Drill | Version 1

Give pupils substantial, focused practice solving demanding linear equations with brackets and terms on both sides. This print-ready Level 39 Skill Drill contains 36 carefully varied equations, followed by a complete teacher answer key. It is the Version 1 edition of the level and works as a compact lesson task, homework sheet, intervention resource, revision activity or assessment of a precisely defined algebraic skill.

LEVEL 39 FOCUS

Expand and collect terms on both sides before solving.

Every equation requires pupils to recognise and coordinate several connected steps. They must expand brackets accurately, collect like terms on each side, move variable terms and constants appropriately, and complete the solution while preserving equality. The repeated structure develops method fluency, but coefficients, constants, variables, bracket signs and solution values vary so that pupils cannot succeed by copying a mechanical surface pattern.

Example structures include equations such as:

• 6(n - 1) + n = 2(n + 5)
• 6(a - 4) + a = 4(a + 6) - 39
• 3(p - 6) + 2p = 2(p - 4) - 1

The worksheet contains positive and negative constants, addition and subtraction around brackets, variable terms outside brackets, and algebra on both sides. Pupils therefore need to make sensible method choices rather than assume that every equation follows the familiar ax + b = c layout.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• One Level 39 Version 1 pupil Skill Drill
• 36 substantial linear-equation questions
• Complete teacher answers in matching question order
• Clear A4, photocopy-friendly booklet format
• Student practice and teacher key combined in one PDF
• Professionally branded cover and section dividers
• True algebraic notation and clear spacing

The page can be used after direct teaching, as independent practice during a lesson, as a substantial homework, for GCSE Foundation or Higher revision, or within a targeted intervention sequence. It is also useful for tutoring and cover lessons because the mathematical demand is clearly defined and the answers are immediately available to the teacher.

The activity is non-calculator-focused. Coefficients and solutions are chosen to support exact algebraic work and attention remains on structure rather than arithmetic burden. Each equation has one definite solution, allowing rapid checking, self-correction, whole-class feedback or targeted discussion of common errors.

This Skill Drill has been extracted from the corresponding Four in a Row resource but contains no game board or gameplay requirement. It is presented as straightforward, high-volume written practice for teachers who prefer a conventional worksheet format while retaining the same carefully constructed mathematical content.

An All 10 Versions pack is also available, providing 360 questions across 10 equivalent Level 39 drills for repeated homework, parallel classes, intervention cycles and retesting.