GGATHER ANY LIKE TERMS on each side before you move any terms to opposite sides of an equation. ii.e.5x + 10 – x = 6 – 4 4x + 10 = = -10 4x = x = -2 CHECK YOUR SOLUTION
When GROUPING SYMBOLS are involved use the DISTRIBUTIVE PROPERTY first. i.e.-3(x – 2) = 7 -3x + 6 = 7 -6 = -6 -3x = 1 -3 x = -1/3 and CHECK
WWhen equations contain FRACTIONS get rid of the fraction by multiplying EVERYTHING by the COMMON DENOMINATOR. AAlso understand, y/3 means 1/3 y or x/5 means 1/5 x or 2a/3 means 2/3 a ii.e.½ x + ¼ = 4 Multiply EVERY term by the C. D. which is “4” 4( ½ x + ¼ = 4) 2x + 1 = = -1 2x = 15 2 = 2 x = 15/2
When equations contain DECIMALS get rid of them by MULTIPLYING EVERY TERM by 10 raised to the largest number of decimal places. i.e.1.2x – x = 2.4 Multiply EACH term by (1.2x – x = 2.4) 12x – x = 24 15x – 36 = = x = x = 4
TTo solve ANY equation: 11. Eliminate fractions and decimals. 22. Use the DISTRIBUTIVE PROPERTY if required. 33. Combine LIKE TERMS. 44. Undo addition & subtraction. 55. Finally, undo multiplication & division.