How do you do algebra?

Algebra is the action of isolating a variable by fixing and balancing. You fix one side of an equation, then you balance it by doing the same on the other side.
Such as 3x - 4 = 8
To get the x by itself on the left side, you first need to add 4 then you need to divide by 3.
You do the same on the other side. (8+4)/3=4