1. * Collect the like terms 1. 2a + 4 + 3 = 2a + 7 2. 8x -2x + 9 = 6x + 9 3. 7z – 8 + 2 – 5z = 2z - 6

3. * Get the variable alone on one side of the equation. * Remember: What you do to one side of the equals sign you must do to the other to keep it balanced.

4. * If a number is added to the term containing x, you subtract that number from both sides of the equation. * If a number is subtracted from the term containing the variable, you add. * If a number multiplies the variable, you divide. * If a number divides the variable, you multiply.

5. y + 9 = 15 -9 -9 y = 6

6. -4 = z + 3 -3 -7 = z

7. a – 7 = -3 + 7 +7 a = 4

9. * Solve for x x + 5 = -7 x = -12 * Solve for x x – 5.4 = 2.3 x = 7.7

11. 5x = 30 5 x = 6

12. -6z = 42 -6 z = -7