Steps to Solve an Equation
This process is when you multiply the number outside the parentheses by each term insides the parentheses.
Distribute
2y+3+8y+4
10y+7
6(x+5)=66
x=6
-3(x+2)+6=-12
x=4
-4x+y=15
y=4x+15
This process is when you put together all of the terms that are of the same type. Variables with variables and constants with constants.
Combine Like Terms
15w+2-5w+11
10w+13
3(6x+6)=0
x=-1
2(6x−4)−3x=19
x=3
14x-7y=49
y=2x-7
When you want to solve, it helps to have have all the variables on one side of the equation by doing this.
Move the Variable
-10z+13+14z+15
4z+28
-4(x+2)+10=-6
x=2
−9(x+2)+69=20+13
x=2
8x-7=-5x-46
x=-3
Now that you have all the variables on one side, you need to make sure that the "regular numbers" are all on the opposite side of the equation by doing this.
Add or Subtract the Constant
5(7x-7)+2(-6x+4)
23x-27
-3(x+6)+6=-30
x=6
−11(x+9)+731=16+22
x=54
12x+6=3x-84
x=-10
The final step to isolate the variable is to do this.
(Multiply or) Divide the Coefficient.
7(-2z+4)-9(2z-4)
-32z+64
-2(-2x+1)+x=-37
x=-7
9x+9+12x=3(5x+5)
x=1
10x+2(-x-12)=3(-x+15)+8
x=7