diff --git a/reasoning_gym/algebra/simple_equations.py b/reasoning_gym/algebra/simple_equations.py
index 0bc64e37..2bd661df 100644
--- a/reasoning_gym/algebra/simple_equations.py
+++ b/reasoning_gym/algebra/simple_equations.py
@@ -48,15 +48,16 @@ class SimpleEquationsDataset(ProceduralDataset):
         """
         rng = random.Random(self.seed + idx)
         
-        # Generate equation and solution
-        equation, solution = self._generate_equation(rng)
+        # Get variable and generate equation
+        variable = self._get_variable(rng)
+        equation, solution = self._generate_equation(rng, variable)
         
         return {
             "question": equation,
             "answer": str(solution),
             "metadata": {
                 "equation": equation,
-                "variable": self._get_variable(rng),
+                "variable": variable,
             }
         }
 
@@ -64,14 +65,17 @@ class SimpleEquationsDataset(ProceduralDataset):
         """Get a random lowercase variable name"""
         return rng.choice(string.ascii_lowercase)
 
-    def _generate_equation(self, rng: random.Random) -> Tuple[str, int]:
+    def _generate_equation(self, rng: random.Random, variable: str) -> Tuple[str, int]:
         """Generate an equation and its solution
         
+        Args:
+            rng: Random number generator
+            variable: Variable symbol to use in equation
+            
         Returns:
             Tuple of (equation string, solution integer)
         """
-        var = self._get_variable(rng)
-        x = Symbol(var)
+        x = Symbol(variable)
         
         # Generate left side
         num_terms = rng.randint(self.config.min_terms, self.config.max_terms)