Basic Algebra/Solving Equations/Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides of the Equation

Vocabulary

Variable - a letter (A-Z) that takes the place of a number.

Equation - an example would be: 8y - 3 = 1 + 10y (The answer is -2 [negative two] = y)

NOTE: WHAT YOU DO TO ONE SIDE YOU MUST DO TO THE OTHER! NO EXCEPTIONS!

1) do the distributive property.

2) Combine like terms on both sides.

3) add/subtract numbers next to a variable on both sides.

4) divide by the number next to the variable on both sides.

5) The answer should look like: x=20 or 20=x

(Note: the variables and numbers may vary in your answer.)

A simple problem:

$2(x+5)=5(x-10)$ <---Problem

$2x+10=5x-50$ <---Distributive Prop.

$2x+10-2x=5x-2x-50$ <---Subtract the variables with numbers next to them.

$10=3x-50$ <---This is what you're left with.

$10+50=3x-50+50$ <---get rid of the 50 by subtracting

$60=3x$ <---This is what you're left with.

$60/3=3x/3$ <---Get rid of the three by dividing by three

$20=x$ <---This is your answer.

Put links here to games that reinforce these skills

(Note: put answer in parentheses after each problem you write)

Practice Problem #1:

3v - 2 = v + 16

{v = 9}

Practice Problem #2:

2x = 15 - x

{x = 5}

Practice Problem #3:

([z - 5] / -3) = 9 + 3.4z

{z = -1.96}