Maths & Physics · KS3 and GCSE · Interactive lesson
Guided Maths and average-speed practice
Practise equations, equivalent fractions and average speed. Work through questions one at a time, with hints and help to unpack each question.
Choose your view
Explore an interactive example, then try the questions at your own pace.
KS3 / GCSE · start with the idea
By the end of this lesson: Choose a first step to find an unknown number in an equation.
The interactive diagram and controls are in Stage 2, “Explore one example”. Read the idea here, then try it next.
- x stands for the unknown number.
- 2x means 2 × x. The two sides of an equation have the same value.
- Use the same operation on both sides to keep them equal.
Useful starting points
These lessons open in a new tab so you can return here.
What do the words mean?
- Equation
- A statement that two expressions are equal.
- x
- A letter standing for an unknown number.
- Inverse operation
- An operation that undoes another, such as subtracting to undo addition.
Change the example
This is the lesson example. Your practice question uses its own numbers.
Something to try
When you try a practice question, say what you need to find before calculating.
Notice what changes
How particle motion works +
Starts paused. Press Play, then add energy to see the warmer particles move faster.
Particles keep the same size. Liquid particles move around; solid particles vibrate around fixed positions. This is a simplified model, with the change in motion exaggerated to make it easier to see.
About the playback +
About this model
A short example to work through together. The practice questions below use separate numbers. Nothing is timed. Answers are not saved.
More about this diagram
Still picture. Play particle motion in Stage 2.
Example solved: x = 3
Still picture of the example from Stage 2. Use the back arrow to change it.
Work through it
Starting example: read the steps below
- The example is 2x + 4 = 10.
- Subtract 4 from both sides: 2x = 6.
- Divide both sides by 2: x = 3.
- Check: 2 × 3 + 4 = 10.
Try on your own
Your turn. No rush.
Question 1
Solve for x: 2x + 3 = 11.
About these questions
Questions appear in a mixed order. Work at your own pace and stop whenever you like.
These questions use their own numbers, separate from the lesson example. You can stop whenever you like. Answers last for this visit to the page.
A good place to pause
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Can you try a question, explain your first step and check your answer?
Try one question and explain your first step. If you need help, use a hint, go back to the idea, or ask Maurice. You choose the pace.
Explain it in your own words and add a small example. This can help you remember and spot what to ask Maurice.
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Useful starting points
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Notes for parents and tutors
These lessons cover selected KS3 and GCSE ideas for England; they are not a complete course. The level notes explain where GCSE methods or optional extensions begin. Maurice can help you choose material for your course and exam board.
The content draws on the DfE Maths curriculum, DfE Science curriculum and AQA GCSE Physics specification. Level labels are guidance, not exam-board endorsements. For AQA Radioactivity, calculating net decline as a ratio is Higher-tier work. Net means the overall change; ask Maurice whether this extension is relevant to your course. Explanations and practice were reviewed during development on 21 October 2026; Maurice should check their fit before assigning work.
Topic labels and your lesson-view preference are saved in this browser. This tab also remembers the last lesson stage, so you can choose to continue there. If you choose revision, selected activities and suggested revisit dates are saved here too. Recent question codes are also kept to reduce repeats. Reflection notes are saved automatically per topic when you type them; you can delete a note in the recap. They stay in this browser and are visible to other people using it. Practice answers and enquiry details are not saved. Clearing browser data removes the labels.