Feeling overwhelmed? Don't know where to start? Your journey starts right here, with one single idea.

Forget 'x'. Forget equations. Start with this: 'A number can be written in infinite ways.'

The number 10 is also 5+5. It's also 20/2. It's also 12-2. It's also 5*2.

This is the core concept of algebra: manipulating values without changing their identity.

Your starting point is to get comfortable with this idea. Play with it. See how many ways you can write the number 8.

Once you truly believe this, the idea of a 'balanced equation' makes perfect sense.

An equation like 'x + 5 = 15' is just saying 'some mystery number plus five is another name for fifteen.'

Your goal isn't 'solving.' Your goal is just 'renaming' the sides of the equation until 'x' is alone.

This is it. This one idea is the seed from which all of algebra grows.

Don't worry about the whole staircase. Just focus on this first, single step. You're already on your way.