1. Let's start by understanding the problem you want to solve. Since you didn't specify, I'll explain how to solve a simple algebra problem step-by-step, like an 8th grader would. 2. Suppose the problem is: Solve for $x$ in the equation $$2x + 3 = 11$$. 3. The formula or rule we use here is to isolate $x$ by undoing the operations around it. We do the opposite of addition and multiplication to get $x$ alone. 4. First, subtract 3 from both sides to get rid of the +3: $$2x + 3 - 3 = 11 - 3$$ which simplifies to $$2x = 8$$ 5. Next, divide both sides by 2 to solve for $x$: $$\frac{2x}{2} = \frac{8}{2}$$ which simplifies to $$x = 4$$ 6. So, the solution is $x = 4$. This means if you put 4 back into the original equation, both sides will be equal. 7. To check, substitute $x=4$: $$2(4) + 3 = 8 + 3 = 11$$ which matches the right side. 8. Therefore, $x=4$ is the correct answer. This is how you solve a simple linear equation step-by-step!