CodePLU - Practice. Learn. Upgrade. CodePLU - Practice. Learn. Upgrade.
    • Maths
      • Numbers 8
      • Algebra 4
      • Measurement 3
      All of Maths →
    • Science
      • Biology 7
      • Chemistry 4
      • Physics 7
      All of Science →
    • Computer Science
      • AI 4
      • Machine Learning 4
      • LLM 4
      • Prompt Engineering 4
      • Data Science 4
      • Programming 6
      • Computational Thinking 3
      All of Computer Science →
    • Maths
      • All of Maths
      • Numbers 8
      • Algebra 4
      • Measurement 3
    • Science
      • All of Science
      • Biology 7
      • Chemistry 4
      • Physics 7
    • Computer Science
      • All of Computer Science
      • AI 4
      • Machine Learning 4
      • LLM 4
      • Prompt Engineering 4
      • Data Science 4
      • Programming 6
      • Computational Thinking 3
Home / Algebra / Your First Steps in Algebra

Your First Steps in Algebra

Four parts in the order that makes algebra make sense rather than the order it is usually taught. Find out what a letter actually stands for, learn to tell an equation from an expression, understand why both sides must change together — and only then solve for x, by which point the method is obvious instead of arbitrary.

44 min to complete
Beginner level
4 Parts

CodePLU Goal

Upgrading Human Mental Models

Learn how to think in Workflows

One letter, three jobs — and what tells them apart
Beginner 10 min Part 1

What Is a Variable, and Why Use Letters?

A letter in maths is not a mystery or a code — it is a number you have not pinned down yet. Learn the three jobs letters do, and build a letter down into each in an interactive playground.

One stem, three symbols, three different things you are allowed to do
Beginner 10 min Part 2

What's the Difference Between an Expression and an Equation?

One can be simplified, one can be solved, and one gives you a range rather than an answer. Learn to tell them apart by building one stem into all three in an interactive playground.

See what each move does to an equation's balance
Beginner 12 min Part 3

Why Must You Do the Same Thing to Both Sides?

An equation is a claim that two sides are equal, so any change to one side alone makes it false. Learn which moves keep the balance and which ones actually help.

Take 2x + 3 = 11 apart until x stands alone
Beginner 12 min Part 4

How Do You Solve for x, Step by Step?

Solving is undoing, in reverse order. Learn why the last thing done to x is the first thing you remove, and build the whole solution yourself.

CodePLU - Practice. Learn. Upgrade.

Node-based learning for any subject. Build concepts as interactive workflows and upgrade your mental models through practice — not passive reading.

Platform

  • Search Concepts
  • Blog
  • Sitemap

Company

  • About CodePLU
  • Our Team
  • Contact

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Content Policy

© 2026 CodePLU — Practice. Learn. Upgrade.

X