can you tell me how to do equations like: 3x-5=14

Yes.

You must always do the same thing to one side as you do to the other side.

3x - 5 = 14

add 5 to both sides

3x = 19

(when you +5 when there was a -5 it disappears. that is why we added 5, to get rid of the -5)

now divide both sides by 3 to get the x by itself (3x means 3 times x)

x = 19 ÷ 3

x = 19/3 (you can leave your answer as a fraction)

From Sam of Herefordshire, England

Good answer Sam - Why don't you join up - we'd love to have you on our answer team :)