

Subtract 2 from both sides (which is the same as adding –2). To check, substitute your answer into the original equation: Subtract 4 from both sides to get 2 x by itself on one side. Then, after you've sorted the variables to one side and the numbers to the other, multiply or divide to get only one of the variables (that is, a variable with no number, or 1, in front of it: x, not 2 x). In most cases, do the addition or subtraction step first. Sometimes you have to use more than one step to solve the equation. Notice that on the left you would normally not write because it would always cancel to 1 x, or x. In the same manner as when you add or subtract, you can multiply or divide both sides of an equation by the same number, as long as it is not zero, and the equation will not change. This is typically when the variable is already on one side of the equation, but there is either more than one of the variable, such as 2 x, or a fraction of the variable, such as Some equations involve only multiplication or division. Notice that in each case above, opposite operations are used that is, if the equation has addition, you subtract from each side. To solve this equation, you must get y by itself on one side. To check your answer, simply plug your answer into the equation: To solve the equation x + 8 = 12, you must get x by itself on one side. Some equations involve only addition and/or subtraction. If you're solving for x, you must get x on one side by itself. Solving an equation is the process of getting what you're looking for, or solving for, on one side of the equals sign and everything else on the other side. Doing the same thing to both sides of the equation (say, adding 3 to each side) keeps the equation balanced. Thus, if you do something to one side of the equation, you must do the same thing to the other side. When solving a simple equation, think of the equation as a balance, with the equals sign (=) being the fulcrum or center. Quiz: Variables and Algebraic Expressions.Variables Algebraic Expressions and Simple Equations.

Quiz: Arithmetic Progressions and Geometric Progressions.Quiz: Calculating Measurements of Basic Figures.Calculating Measurements of Basic Figures.Customary System, Metric System, and Converting Units of Measure Rationals (Signed Numbers Including Fractions).Quiz: Rationals (Signed Numbers Including Fractions).Quiz: Changing Percents, Decimals, and Fractions, and Important Equivalents.Changing Percents, Decimals, and Fractions.Quiz: Changing Fractions to Decimals, Changing Terminating Decimals to Fractions, and Changing Infinite Repeating Decimals to Fractions.Changing Infinite Repeating Decimals to Fractions.Changing Terminating Decimals to Fractions.Quiz: Simplifying Fractions and Complex Fractions.Simplifying Fractions and Complex Fractions.Quiz: Multiplying and Dividing Fractions and Mixed Numbers.Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Numbers.Quiz: Adding and Subtracting Fractions and Mixed Numbers.Quiz: Proper and Improper Fractions, Mixed Numbers, and Renaming Fractions.Quiz: Factors, Primes, Composites, and Factor Trees.Factors, Primes, Composites, and Factor Trees.Quiz: Estimating Sums, Differences, Products, and Quotients.Estimating Sums, Differences, Products, and Quotients.Quiz: Grouping Symbols and Order of Operations.Ways to Show Multiplication and Division.Grouping Symbols and Order of Operations.Quiz: Properties of Basic Mathematical Operations.Properties of Basic Mathematical Operations.Quiz: Ways to Show Multiplication and Division, Multiplying and Dividing by Zero, and Common Math Symbols.
