Solving Equations and Isolating Variables

Distribute

Add or subtract constants

Combine like terms

Isolate the variable

When there are parentheses

When constants are on both sides

When there are like terms

When the variable is isolated

Adding or subtracting terms with the same variable

Multiplying terms with different variables

Dividing terms with the same coefficient

Adding constants to both sides

Add the same number to both sides

Subtract the variable from both sides

Multiply both sides by the coefficient

Move all terms with the variable to one side

To balance the equation

To eliminate parentheses

To isolate the variable

To simplify the equation

Divide both sides by the negative coefficient

Add the coefficient to both sides

Subtract the coefficient from both sides

Multiply both sides by the negative coefficient

To avoid errors and ensure accuracy

To avoid unnecessary calculations

To ensure the equation is balanced

To simplify the process