Equations with variables on both sides

Equations with variables on both sides

Some equations have terms with variables on both sides of the equation

Notice there are variables on both sides

The goal is to have the variables on one side of the equation while having the constants (numbers) on the other

x = "constant"

To do that, we remove as many as we can from both sides

Multiple Choice

How many x's (rectangles) can we remove from both sides?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Now we only have the variables on one side

We can move on to solving equations like you are used to

By removing the constants (on both sides) so that we have the variable (x) by itself

Multiple Choice

How many ones (yellow squares) can we remove from both sides?

• 2

• 4

• 6

• -2

We can subtract 2 from both sides

We conclude that each x (rectangle) is the same as 4

Multiple Choice

How many n's can we remove from both sides?

3n + 5 = 2n + 7

• 3n

• 2n

• 5

• 7

Multiple Choice

Solve

What's the next step?

n + 5 = 7

• Remove 5 from both sides

• Remove 7 from both sides

• Multiply by 5

• Multiply by 7

Remember

• The goal is to have the variables on one side

• We remove as many as we can from both sides

• Once there are variables only on one side, continue solving for x

Multiple Choice

Solve for x

5x + 2 = 4x + 4

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

Solve for x

8x + 3 = 5x +12

• 3

• 4

• 1

• 6