Steps to Solve Equations with Variables on Both Sides

1. Eliminate Parentheses (if any)

   • Expand any parentheses using the distributive property if necessary.

2. Simplify Both Sides

   • Combine like terms on both sides separately.

3. Move Variables to One Side

   • Use addition or subtraction to bring all variable terms to one side.
   • Always try to keep the variable on the side where it remains positive.

4. Move Constants to the Other Side

   • Use addition or subtraction to shift constant terms (numbers) to the opposite side.

5. Isolate the Variable

   • Divide or multiply to get the variable alone.

6. Check Your Solution

   • Substitute your solution into the original equation to verify.

Example 1: Basic Equation

Solve:
3x + 5 = 2x + 11

Step 1: Move all x-terms to one side
3x – 2x + 5 = 11
x + 5 = 11

Step 2: Move constants to the other side
x = 11 – 5
x = 6

Step 3: Check
Substituting x = 6 into the original equation:
3(6) + 5 = 2(6) + 11
18 + 5 = 12 + 11
23 = 23 ✅