
- Resource Library
- Math
- Algebra
- Equations With Variables On Both Sides
- Solve Equations With Variables On Both Sides

Solve Equations with Variables on Both Sides
Presentation
•
Mathematics
•
7th - 8th Grade
•
Medium
+1
Standards-aligned
Cheryl Nichols
Used 602+ times
FREE Resource
7 Slides • 7 Questions
1
Solve Equations
with Variables
on Both Sides

2
When you see an equation with variables on both sides you should:
Move all the terms with variables to one side of the equation by making the term zero on one side.
Remember that terms with variables can become zero the same way constants become zero: by adding the opposite or using the inverse operation.
The equation stays balanced when you do the same thing to both sides.
3
It looks like this:
2y + 27 = 5y
−2y −2y
________________________________
27 = 3y
Now we have a one-step equation.
4
It could look like this:
9k + 6 = 8k + 13
____________________________
k + 6 = 13
Now we have a two-step equation.
5
Multiple Choice
Let's try it! Choose the correct first step for this equation.
Subtract 2x from both sides.
Subtract 7x from both sides.
Sutbract 20 from 2x.
6
Is this what you said?
7x = 2x − 20
−2x −2x
___________________________
5x = −20
7
Multiple Choice
Using the work we just did, find the solution for
x = 4
x = -4
x = 15
x = -25
8
Multiple Choice
Try another one. Choose a correct first step for this equation.
Subtract 5n from both sides.
Add 14 to 3n
Subtract 6 from 5n
9
Is this what you thought?
14 + 3n = 5n − 6
−5n −5n
_____________________________
14 − 2n = −6
10
Here's another option:
14 + 3n = 5n − 6
−3n −3n
________________________________
14 = 2n − 6
We can move all the variable terms to either side of the equation.
11
Multiple Choice
Using the math we just saw, solve this equation.
n = 10
n = -10
n = -18
n = -22
12
Multiple Choice
Let's practice some more. What is the solution to this equation?
3 = g
g = 12
9 = g
g = 16
13
Multiple Choice
Try one more:
x = 4
x = −4
x = 41
x = −41
14
Open Ended
On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 meaning that you understand completely, how do you feel about solving equations with variables on both sides after this lesson? Explain your rating.
Solve Equations
with Variables
on Both Sides

Show answer
Auto Play
Slide 1 / 14
SLIDE
Similar Resources on Wayground
11 questions
Slope Intercept Form
Presentation
•
8th Grade
13 questions
COMPARING QUANTITIES
Presentation
•
7th - 8th Grade
11 questions
Systems of Equations Word Problems
Presentation
•
8th - 9th Grade
13 questions
Multiplying Fractions
Presentation
•
6th - 8th Grade
12 questions
8.1 Circumference of Circles
Presentation
•
6th - 7th Grade
12 questions
Pre-Algebra SOL 8.4 and 8.9 SOL Prep
Presentation
•
6th - 9th Grade
12 questions
Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution
Presentation
•
7th - 8th Grade
11 questions
Ecuaciones lineales
Presentation
•
6th - 8th Grade
Popular Resources on Wayground
10 questions
Safety Day 2026 – Student Review
Quiz
•
9th Grade
21 questions
Continents and Oceans
Quiz
•
6th Grade
20 questions
Parts of Speech
Quiz
•
5th Grade
16 questions
Subject & Predicate
Quiz
•
5th Grade
25 questions
Multiplication Facts
Quiz
•
5th Grade
12 questions
Map Skills
Quiz
•
3rd Grade
22 questions
Continents and Oceans
Quiz
•
5th Grade
15 questions
Rounding Decimals
Quiz
•
5th Grade
Discover more resources for Mathematics
20 questions
Rational and Irrational Numbers
Quiz
•
8th Grade
16 questions
Proportional and Non Proportional Relationships in Tables, Graphs, and Equations
Quiz
•
7th Grade
20 questions
Constant of Proportionality
Quiz
•
7th Grade
20 questions
Halloween Trivia
Quiz
•
7th Grade
15 questions
One-Step Equations
Quiz
•
7th Grade
20 questions
Add and Subtract Integers
Quiz
•
6th - 8th Grade
16 questions
Adding and Subtracting Integers
Quiz
•
7th Grade
20 questions
Slope from a Graph
Quiz
•
8th Grade