Solving Equations: Variables on Both Sdes

Solving Equations

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

Drag and Drop

Solve: -3x + 1 = -7x - 9

First: Move the VARIABLES to the LEFT

Scroll down to see the whole problem

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Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

4x + 1 = -9

4x = -10

x=-10/4

x=-5/2

Solution to

2x - 5 = 4x + 3

Same problem solved two different ways

Multiple Choice

2x - 3 + 4x = 27

1. Combine like terms on the left side

2. Add 3 to both sides

3. Divide by coefficient of x on both sides.

• x= 12

• x = 4

• x = 5

• x = 15

Multiple Choice

Solve for f:
f - 4 = 6f + 26

• f = -5

• f = 5

• f = 6

• f = -6

Multiple Choice

Solve for x:
5x - 14 = 8x + 4

• x = 6

• x = -6

• x = -18/13

• x = 10/3

Multiple Choice

Solve for x:

4(1 - x) + 3x = -2(x - 1)

Step 1: Use the Distributive Property on Both Sides

• 4-x+3x=-2x+1

• 4-4x+3x=-2x+2

• 41-x+3x=-2x+1

Multiple Choice

4 - 4x + 3x = -2x + 2

Step 2: Combine Like terms on the left side

• 3x=-2x+2

• 4+3x=6x+2

• 4-x=-2x+2

Multiple Choice

4 - x = -2x + 2

Step 3: Move the Variables to the left.

• 4+x=2

• 4-x=2

• 4-x=x+2

Multiple Choice

4 + x = 2

Step 4: Move all constants to the right

• x=6

• x=-6

• x=-2

Multiple Choice

Solve the equation -8x - 8 +3(x - 2) = -3x + 2

• x = -8

• x = 8

• x = 2

• x = -2

Multiple Choice

Solve: 5y + 34 = -2(-7y + 1)

• y = -4

• y = 9

• y = 4

• y = 36/19