Identify the variables and arrange terms so all variable terms are on one side of the equation
Move all constant terms to the other side using inverse operations
Combine like terms on each side
Rewrite the equation with terms ordered consistently, usually with variables first and constants last
If needed, multiply or divide both sides by the same nonzero number to make coefficients integers and simplify the equation
Check that the equation matches the standard form for the type of equation you are writing