1. Get That Variable By
Itself!
How to solve equations without really
trying!

2. Solving One-Step Equations
x + 6 = 17
x + 6 = 17
- 6 -6
x = 11
x ÷ 8 = 4
x ÷ 8 = 4
x 8 x 8
x = 32
To get x by itself:
Cancel out the number
using the opposite
operation on both
sides!
Addition pairs with subtraction
Multiplication pairs with division

3. Solving Two-Step Equations
3x – 7 = 17
3x - 7 = 17
+ 7 + 7
3x = 24
÷3 ÷3
x = 8
To get x by itself:
First, cancel the addition or
subtraction.
Second, cancel the
multiplication or division.

4. Combining Like Terms and Solving
2x + 8 + 8x + 12 = 180
10x + 20 = 180
10x + 20 = 180
- 20 - 20
10x = 160
÷10 ÷10
x = 16
To get x by itself:
- First, combine any like
terms on the SAME SIDE
of the equal sign.
- Then, cancel the addition
or subtraction using the
opposite operation.
- Finally, cancel the
multiplication or division
using the opposite
operation.

5. Solving With Variables on Both
Sides of the Equal Sign
7x – 5 = 4x + 13
7x – 5 = 4x + 13
- 4x -4x
3x – 5 = 13
3x – 5 = 13
+ 5 + 5
3x = 18
÷3 ÷3
x = 6
To get x by itself:
- First, cancel the variable
on the right side by
subtracting from the same
variable on the right.
- Then, cancel the addition
or subtraction using the
opposite operation.
- Finally, cancel the
multiplication or division
using the opposite
operation.

6. Now You Try Some!
1) x ÷ 3 = 9
2) 3x + 5 = 20
3) 4x + 8 + 2x + 1 = 39
4) 10x + 6 = 5x + 16

7. Answers
1) x = 27
2) x = 5
3) x = 5
4) x = 2