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Year 9 · Patterns & Algebra

Equations with variables on both sides

A two-step equation needs two opposites: undo the adding first, then the multiplying.

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How to do it

  1. Add or subtract to move the plain number away.
  2. Divide by the number in front of x.
  3. Variables on both sides: collect the x terms first.

Worked example

5x + 3 = 2x + 12
Take 2x off both sides, then take 3 off: 3x = 9
x = 3

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Do the same thing to both sides each step.

Practise Equations with variables on both sides properly

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