Identify the variable
Simplify both sides
Distribute if needed
Combine like terms
Move variable terms to one side
Move constants to the other side
Use inverse operations
Isolate the variable
Check the solution by substitution
Identify the variable
Simplify both sides
Distribute if needed
Combine like terms
Move variable terms to one side
Move constants to the other side
Use inverse operations
Isolate the variable
Check the solution by substitution