5-step to solve any equation.
1. Distribute through any parentheses.
2. Combine like terms on each side of the equation.
3. Get the variables on one side by adding or subtracting
4. Solve the remaining 2-step equation (add or subtract then multiply or divide)
5. Check your answer by plugging it back in for `x` to find a true statement.
Example
| `4(2x−6)+9=3(x−7)+8x` | Distribute `4` and `3` through parenthesis |
| `8x−24+9=3x−21+8x` | Combine like terms`−24+9` and `3x+8x` |
| `8x− 15 = 11x − 21 ` | Notice the variable is on both sides |
| `8xcolor(red)(-8x)− 15 = 11xcolor(red)(-8x) − 21` | Subtract `8x` from both sides |
| `− 15 = 3x − 21` | Focus on subtraction of `21` |
| `− 15color(red)(+21) = 3x − 21color(red)(+21)` | Add `21` to both sides |
| `6=3x` | Focus on multiplication by `3` |
| `6/color(red)(3)=(3x)/color(red)(3)` | Divide both sides by `3` |
| `2=x ` | Solution |