Two-step equations

The question

11x + 3 = 14

11x + 3=14

11x=11

x=1

11x + 3=14

11x=11

x=1

Two things were done to x: multiplied by 11, then 3 added. Undo them in reverse order — whatever happened last comes off first.
The 3 went on last, so it comes off first — from both sides, to keep them equal. 14 − 3 = 11.
That leaves 11x, so divide both sides by 11: 11 ÷ 11 = 1.
Check by putting it back: 11(1) + 3 = 14. It holds, so x = 1.

How it works.

01
Two things were done to x: multiplied by 11, then 3 added. Undo them in reverse order — whatever happened last comes off first.
02
The 3 went on last, so it comes off first — from both sides, to keep them equal. 14 − 3 = 11.
03
That leaves 11x, so divide both sides by 11: 11 ÷ 11 = 1.
04
Check by putting it back: 11(1) + 3 = 14. It holds, so x = 1.