You have learned how to solve equations when the variable is on one side of the equal sign. But what if there is a variable on each side of the equal sign? Ex: 3x + 9 = x - 4
Solving equations like this ar really not much different than what you've been doing.
Do you remember the GOAL when we are solving equations? The GOAL is to ISOLATE the variable on ONE SIDE of the equal sign. In other words, you must get the variable, all alone, on one side. How do we do that if there is a variable on BOTH sides?
Solving equations like this ar really not much different than what you've been doing.
Do you remember the GOAL when we are solving equations? The GOAL is to ISOLATE the variable on ONE SIDE of the equal sign. In other words, you must get the variable, all alone, on one side. How do we do that if there is a variable on BOTH sides?
Let's look at an Example
3x + 20 = x - 8 See how the variable x is on both sides of the equation? We have to move the x to one side - either side is okay.
We DO THE SAME THING as if we were moving a number. We have a POSITIVE x on the right, so we must
SUBTRACT an x from both sides.ZAQvf
3x + 20 = x - 8
-x -x Just like when we are moving numbers we must do it to BOTH sides
2x +20 = -8 NOW you can solve!
Click on the button below to watch a video featuring your very own MRS. JIMENEZ solving equations with variables on both sides!
3x + 20 = x - 8 See how the variable x is on both sides of the equation? We have to move the x to one side - either side is okay.
We DO THE SAME THING as if we were moving a number. We have a POSITIVE x on the right, so we must
SUBTRACT an x from both sides.ZAQvf
3x + 20 = x - 8
-x -x Just like when we are moving numbers we must do it to BOTH sides
2x +20 = -8 NOW you can solve!
Click on the button below to watch a video featuring your very own MRS. JIMENEZ solving equations with variables on both sides!