Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides
Other Algebra Lessons
In this lesson, we will look into solving equations that have a term with the variable on both sides of the equation.
The following figure shows how to solve equations with variables on both sides. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions.
Example:
Consider the equation x – 6 = –2x + 3.
To isolate the variable, we need to get all the variable terms to one side and the constant terms to the other side. Next, we combine like terms and then isolate the variable by multiplying or dividing.
Solve x – 6 = –2x + 3
Solution:
Step 1: Get all the variable terms to one side and the constant terms to the other side.
x – 6 = –2x + 3
x – 6 + 2x + 6 = –2x + 3 + 2x + 6 (Add 2x & 6 to both sides)
Step 2: Combine like terms
2x + x = 3 + 6
3x = 9
Step 3: Divide or multiply to isolate the variable
3x = 9 (Divide by 3)
x = 3
Check:
x – 6 = –2x + 3
3 – 6 = –2 • 3 + 3 (substitute x = 3 into the original equation)
–3 = –3
Example:
Consider the equation 6x – 4 = 3x + 2. To isolate the variable, we need to get all the variable terms to one side and the constant terms to the other side. Next, we combine like terms and then isolate the variable by multiplying or dividing.
Solve 6x – 4 = 3x + 2
Solution:
Step 1: Get all the variable terms to one side and the constant terms to the other side.
6x – 4 = 3x + 2
6x – 4 – 3x + 4 = 3x + 2 – 3x + 4 (Subtract 3x & add 4 to both sides)
Step 2: Combine like terms
6x – 3x = 2 + 4
3x = 6
Step 3: Divide or multiply to isolate the variable
3x = 6 (Divide by 3)
x = 2
Check:
6x – 4 = 3x + 2 (substitute x = 2 into the original equation)
6 • 2 – 4 = 3 • 2 + 2
8 = 8
How to solve equations with variables on both sides of the equation?
Examples:
1) 5x + 8 = 7x
2) 4w + 8 = 6w – 4
3) 6(g + 3) = – 2(g + 31) Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides
Step 1: Add and subtract terms to get the variables on one side and the constants on the other.
Step 2: Multiply or divide to isolate the variable
Examples:
1) 2x + 7 = 4x – 7
2) 3x + 19 = 3 – 5x Equations With Variables on Both Sides
This requested video looks at solving equations with variables on both sides. It includes four examples.
Examples:
1) x + 14.8 = 102 – 7x
2) 5y – 2 = 28 – y
3) 3 + 5m = 8m – 9
4) 4 + 3x – 6 = 3x + 2 – x How to use the distributive property to simplify equations with variables on both sides?
Examples:
1) 3(x – 1) = 2(x + 3)
2) z/6 = 2(z + 1)/9
Rotate to landscape screen format on a mobile phone or small tablet to use the Mathway widget, a free math problem solver that answers your questions with step-by-step explanations.
You can use the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice Algebra or other math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.
We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.