2. Steps to Solve Equations
with Variables on Both Sides
(1) Take care of any parenthesis by distributing.
(2) Combine all like terms on each side of the equal sign.
★ Same Side, Same Operation
(1) Get variables to one side of =. Moving the smallest
will avoid dividing by a negative.
★ Opposite Side, Opposite Operation
(1) Isolate term with variable.
★ Opposite Side, Opposite Operation
(1) Multiply or Divide to get coefficient of variable to 1.
3. Solve:
✦ Variables together
Opposite side = Opposite
operation
✦ Moving the smallest
avoids dividing by a
negative.
✦ Isolate variable term.
✦ Divide by variables
coefficient to make
coefficient of variable 1.
2a − 3 = 5a − 8
−3 = 3a − 8
−2a −2a
+8 +8
5 = 3a
3 3
5
3
= a
4. Solve:
✦ Distribute.
✦ Variables together,
moving smallest.
Opposite side = Opposite
operation
✦ Isolate variable term.
✦ Divide to make coefficient
of variable 1.
−3 x − 2( )= −7 x + 5( )
4x + 6 = −35
+7x +7x
−6 −6
4x = −41
4 4
x = −
41
4
−3x + 6 = −7x − 35
