Educator

When the Variable is on Both Sides of the Equation

• A more complicated equation in one variable could have grouping symbols and the variable on both sides. To solve such an equation: first eliminate grouping symbols by using the distributive property and applying a negative sign preceding a grouping symbol to each term inside the group. Then, if the resulting equation has the variable on both sides, use the addition or subtraction properties of equality to eliminate the variable from one side of the equation or the other and to get all the constants on the other side. Finally, solve this simplified equation using the multiplication or division property.

• Some equations are true for all values of the variable. These are called identities.

• Other equations are not true for any values of the variable.