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

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

We can subtract 2 from both sides

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

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

Equation

• a mathematical sentence stating two expressions are equivalent

• has an equals sign

Solving equations

• use inverse operations to isolate the variable

• keep the equation balanced by performing the same operation on both sides of the equals sign

3 = z + 6

• subtract 6 from both sides

• z = -3

r - ( -2 ) = -15

• rewrite as addition

• r + 2 = -15

• subtract 2 from both sides

• r = -17

-16 = -4p

• divide both sides by -4

• p = 4

k/3 = -30

• multiply both sides by 3

• k = -90