Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides

The three steps to solving multi-step equations are: distribute, combine like terms, and solve for the variable.

When distributing a negative number, remember to multiply it by each term inside the parentheses, which will change the sign of each term.

To isolate the variable, use inverse operations such as addition or subtraction to move constants to the other side of the equation, then multiply or divide to solve for the variable.