If you need algebra tips, I teach the subject. I know more silly mnemonics than you can shake a scientific calculator at. (Just don't shake a graphing calculator--those are expensive.)
Also, if this is multiple-choice, you have a built-in shortcut for solving equations. Instead of solving for X, take the number from the middle choice, plug it in for X, and see if it works. If it doesn't, try the next bigger choice. If you're getting closer to correct, then try the biggest. If not, then you know it's one of the smaller choices. Trying all the answers can actually be faster than solving for some of the more ornery equation types.