Problems don't always present themselves in number and variable form. They come to us in words and situations. It is very important to be able to translate these into a form that we can apply our skills at solving equations.
Two times a number is the same as 10......2x=10
OR
The sum of four times a number and seven is 31......4x + 7 = 31
Knowing the basics vocabulary and a few tricks of the trade is all you need!
All it takes is Understanding & Practice :)