If you encounter a variable on both sides of the equal sign, don't assume it's a typo and move on to the next problem; it may very well be there on purpose. The key to solving these types of equations is to move all the terms containing the variable to one, and only one, side. It doesn't matter which side you choose. Just try to pick the easier one.
As before, there are a lot of different ways to solve these problems. Choose whatever way floats your boat.
Let's dive into two different methods for solving the following equation.
Method #1: Get all the variables on the right-hand side.
| |
 | subtract 2x from each side |
 | combine the like terms |
 | subtract 18 from each side |
 | simplify |
 | divide each side by 3 |
 | and done! |
Method #2: Get all the variables on the left-hand side.
| |
 | subtract 5x from each side |
 | combine the like terms |
 | add 6 to each side |
 | simplify |
 | divide each side by -3 |
 | same answer |
Don't forget to check:
