Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides

Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides

At the end of this lesson you will be able to:

• Solve linear equations with variables on both sides

• 
  

Step1:

Get all the variable terms on one side of the equation 

• It doesn’t matter which side you choose - I tend to move it so my variable term remains positive 

• Make sure you follow the rules for equations 

Step 1:

subtract 3x from BOTH sides

Step 2:

Now get all the constants (regular numbers) to the OTHER side of the equation

• Once completed you will have your variable term on one side, and your constant term on the other

• Make sure you follow the rules for equations 

Step 2:

subtract 1 from BOTH sides

Step 3: Solve this one step equation

• Divide to get the variable all by itself 

• 
  

Step 3:

divide each side by 2

Step 4: Check your answer

• Substitute your answer into every variable in the equation

• Follow the rules of the order of operations

• If the two sides match then you have the correct answer

Step 4:

check the answer x = 2

Regardless of which variable term you move first the answer is still x = -14

Alternate method:

• Subtract 7x from both sides

- -13 = -10x - 33

• Add 33 to both sides

20 = -10x

• divide both sides by -10 and you still get x = -2

Alternate Method:

• Add 6x to both sides

-4x + 15 = 17

• Subtract 15 from both sides

-4x = 2

• Divide both sides by -4 and you still get -0.5 or -1/2

Video Links - copy URL

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wShnYemIr28&t=5s

Solution to

2x - 5 = 4x + 3

Same problem solved two different ways

Solution to

-3x + 1 = -7x - 9

Same problem solved two different ways

Practice Using IXL

See Playlist on Google Classroom -

Algebra 1 J.6

Solve linear equations with variables on both sides