Equations with variables on both sides

Keep an equation balanced while collecting variable and constant terms.

Move terms with the same operation

Add or subtract the same term on both sides to collect the variable terms. This preserves the solutions of the equation.

Worked example

5x + 1 = 2x + 10 → 3x + 1 = 10 → x = 3

Remove brackets before collecting terms. Check the solution in the original equation, where a sign error is easier to spot.

Worked example

2(x + 3) = 14 → 2x + 6 = 14 → x = 4