How to Solve an Algebra Problem Step 1: Write Down the Problem. ... Step 2: PEMDAS. ... Step 3: Solve the Parenthesis. ... Step 4: Handle the Exponents/ Square Roots. ... Step 5: Multiply. ... Step 6: Divide. ... Step 7: Add/ Subtract (aka, Combine Like Terms) ... Step 8: Find X by Division. More items...