Chapter 3

E
quations are an integral
part of algebra. Since
you will be coming
across equations at every turn,
understanding how to work with
them is essential. Chapter 3
provides you with everything
you need to know for solving
basic equations.
Solving Basic
E quations

In this Chapter...
Solve an Equation with Addition and Subtraction
Solve an Equation with Multiplication and Division
Solve an Equation in Several Steps
Solve for a Variable in an Equation with Multiple Variables
Solve an Equation with Absolute Values
Test Your Skills
Solve an Equation with
Addition and Subtraction
Addition and subtraction are the basic tools you
will begin using to solve equations. Before you
start adding and subtracting, however, you must
understand the principle of keeping the equation
balanced. Whenever you perform an operation
on one side of the equals sign, you must perform
the same operation on the other side so the
equation will remain balanced and true.
The object of your adding and subtracting is to
remove or “cancel out” numbers. Canceling out
numbers isolates the variable to one side of the
equation, usually the left side, and is referred to
as “solving for the variable.” For example, in
the equation x + 7 = 9 you would subtract 7
from each side of the equals sign to cancel out
the 7 originally found on the left side. In this
example, we would have x + 7 – 7 = 9 – 7, which
leaves an answer of x = 2.
Thankfully, equations are easy to check. All you
have to do is take the value you determined for
the variable, replace the variable in the original
equation with the value you found and then
work out the problem. If one side equals the
other, you have correctly solved for the variable.

How to Solve an Equation Solving Equations Example 1

x – 5 = 11 x + 7 = 20
x – 5 + 5 = 11 + 5 x + 7 – 7 = 20 – 7
x = 16 x = 13

Check your answer

Check your answer
x – 5 = 11 x + 7 = 20
16 – 5 = 11 13 + 7 = 20
11 = 11 Correct! 20 = 20 Correct!

• When solving equations,
your goal is to place the
variable on one side of
the equation, usually
the left side, and place
all the numbers on the
other side of the
equation, usually the
right side. This allows
you to determine the
value of the variable.
Note: A variable is a letter,
such as x or y, which
represents any number.
• To place a variable by
itself on one side of
an equation, you can
add or subtract the
same number or
variable on both sides
of the equation and
the equation will
remain balanced.
1 In this example, to place
the variable by itself on the
left side of the equation,
subtract 7 from both sides
of the equation. This will
remove, or cancel out, 7
from the left side of the
equation.
2 To check your answer,
place the number you
found into the original
equation and solve the
problem. If both sides
of the equation are
equal, you have
correctly solved the
equation.

64
 Chapter 3 Solving Basic Equations

Tip Pra
ctice
How do I know when I should add or Solve for the variable in each of
subtract to solve an equation? the following equations. You can
check your answers on page 252.
As a simple rule of thumb, you should
do the opposite of what is done in 1) x + 2 = 4
the original equation. When a number
is subtracted from a variable in an 2) x – 3 = 10
equation, such as x – 5 = 11, you add the 3) 5 = x – 4
subtracted number to both sides of the
equation to cancel out the number and 4) –3 = x – 3
isolate the variable. If a number is added
5) 2 x – 3 = x + 7
to a variable, such as x + 5 = 11, you can
subtract the added number from both 6) 5 x + 1 = 6 x – 4
sides of the equation to cancel out the
number and isolate the variable.

Solving Equations Example 2 Solving Equations Example 3

8x – 6 = 7x + 3
5 = 20 + x 8x – 6 + 6 = 7x + 3 + 6
5 – 20 = 20 + x – 20 8x = 7x + 9
–15 = x 8x – 7x = 7x + 9 – 7x
x = –15 x=9

Check your answer Check your answer

5 = 20 + x 8x – 6 = 7x + 3
8(9) – 6 = 7(9) + 3
5 = 20 + (–15)
72 – 6 = 63 + 3
5 = 5 Correct!
66 = 66 Correct!

1 In this example, to 2 To check your answer, place
place the variable by
itself on the right
side of the equation,
subtract 20 from
both sides of the
equation.
1 In this example, to
the number you found into
the original equation and
solve the problem. If both
sides of the equation are
equal, you have correctly
solved the equation.
2 To check your answer,
place all the numbers
on the right side of the
equation, add 6 to both
sides of the equation.
You can then subtract
7 x from both sides of
the equation to move
all the variables to the
left side of the
equation.
place the number you
found into the original
equation and solve the
problem. If both sides
of the equation are
equal, you have
correctly solved the
equation.

65
Solve an Equation with
Multiplication and Division
When multiplying and dividing in equations, you
must remember the principle of balance, just like
when you add and subtract within equations. If
you perform an operation on one side of the equals
sign, you have to perform the same operation on
the other side in order for the equation to remain
balanced and true.
Your aim in multiplying and dividing in an equation
is to remove or “cancel out” numbers and isolate
the variable to one side of the equation, usually the
left side. This is called “solving for the variable.”
When working with equations, you will often
have to remove a coefficient, which is a number
next to a variable, such as 4a. Since the variable
is being multiplied by the coefficient, you should
divide both sides by the coefficient to cancel out
the coefficient and isolate the variable.
To check your answers, take the value you
determined for the variable, substitute it into
the original equation and then work out the
problem. If one side equals the other, you have
correctly solved for the variable.

How to Solve an Equation Solving Equations Example 1

5 x = 20 8 x = 24
5 x = 20 8 x = 24
5 5 8 8
x=4 x=3

Check your answer Check your answer

5 x = 20 8 x = 24
5(4) = 20 8(3) = 24
20 = 20 Correct! 24 = 24 Correct!

• When solving an • To place a variable by
equation, your goal is
to place the variable by
itself on one side of the
equation, usually the
left side, and place
all the numbers on
the other side of the
equation, usually the
right side. This allows
you to determine the
value of the variable.
1 In this example, to place
itself on one side of
an equation, you can
multiply or divide by the
same number on both
sides of the equation
and the equation will
remain balanced.
2 To check your answer,
the variable by itself on
the left side of the
equation, divide both
sides of the equation by
the number in front of
the variable, called the
coefficient. This will
leave the x variable by
itself on the left side of
the equation because 88
equals 1.
place the number you
found into the original
equation and solve the
problem. If both sides
of the equation are
equal, you have
correctly solved the
equation.

66
 Chapter 3 Solving Basic Equations

Tip Pra
ctice
How do I know when I should multiply Solve for the variable in each of
or divide to solve an equation? the following equations. You can
check your answers on page 252.
Generally, you should do the opposite
of what is done in the original equation. x
1) 2 = 1
When a variable is divided by a number
in an equation, such as 5x = 10, you can 2) 4 x = 16
multiply by the same number on both 3) –3 x = 9
sides of the equation to cancel out the
number and isolate the variable. If a 4) x = –5
variable is multiplied by a number, such 2
as 5x = 20, you can divide both sides 5) x =3
of the equation by the same number 7
to isolate the variable. 6) 2 x = 5
3 4

Solving Equations Example 2 Solving Equations Example 3

2x = 6
x = 30 5
2
2x x 5 = 6x 5
x x 2 = 30 2
x 5 2 2
2 30
x = 60 x= = 15
2

Check your answer

Check your answer
2x = 6
x = 30 5
2 2 (15) = 6
60 = 30 5
2 30 = 6
30 = 30 Correct! 5
6=6 Correct!

1 In this example, to
place the variable by
itself on the left side
of the equation, you
must multiply both
sides of the equation
by the number divided
into the variable.
2 To check your answer, 1 In this example, to place the
place the number you
found into the original
equation and solve the
problem. If both sides
of the equation are
equal, you have
correctly solved the
equation.
2 To check your
variable by itself on the left answer, place the
side of the equation, multiply number you found
both sides of the equation by into the original
the reciprocal of the fraction equation and solve
in front of the variable. the problem. If
Note: To determine the reciprocal both sides of the
of a fraction, switch the top and equation are equal,
bottom numbers in the fraction. you have correctly
For example, 25 becomes 52 . solved the
When you multiply a fraction by equation.
its reciprocal, the result is 1 .

67
Solve an Equation
in Several Steps
Even when you are working with large, complex
problems, your goal should be to isolate the variable
to one side of the equation and find the value of
the variable. Three easy steps, using skills you have
learned in the previous pages, will guide you when
you are confronted with a complicated equation.
The first step in solving complex equations is to
simplify the equation as much as you can on either
side of the equals sign. You will find the distributive
property particularly useful, as it eliminates those
pesky parentheses. The second step involves using
addition and subtraction on both sides of the
equation to isolate the variable on one side of
the equation. For the third step, you multiply
and divide on both sides of the equation to
determine the value of the variable.
Finally, don’t forget the unofficial fourth step:
check your answer! Place the number you
determined for the variable into the original
equation and solve the problem. If both sides
of the equation are equal, you have correctly
solved the equation.

Step 1: Simplify Each Side of the Equation

6 x + 4(2 x + 3) = 34 + 3 x 6 x + 8 x + 12 = 34 + 3 x
6 x + 8 x + 12 = 34 + 3 x 14 x + 12 = 34 + 3 x

1 If an equation contains
parentheses ( ), use the
distributive property on
each side of the equals
sign ( = ) to remove the
parentheses that surround
numbers and variables.
• In this example, 4(2x + 3)
works out to 8x + 1 2 .
Note: The distributive
property allows you
to remove a set
of parentheses by
multiplying each number
or variable inside the
parentheses by a number
or variable directly outside
the parentheses. For
more information on
the distributive property,
see page 30.
2 Add, subtract, multiply
and divide any numbers or
variables that can be
combined on the same
side of the equals sign ( = ) .
• In this example, 6x + 8x
equals 1 4x.
Note: For information on
adding and subtracting
variables, see page 36.
For information on
multiplying and dividing
variables, see page 38.

68
 Chapter 3 Solving Basic Equations

Tip Pra
ctice
What should I do if I end up with a Solve for the variable in each of the
negative variable? following equations. You can check
your answers on page 252.
If you end up with a negative sign (–) in
front of a variable, such as –y = 14, you 1) 3 x = 6
will have to make the variable positive to
finish solving the equation. Fortunately, 2) 4 x – 2 = 14
this is a simple task—just multiply both 3) 2 x + 10 = 3 x – 5
sides of the equation by –1. The equation
remains balanced and a negative sign (–) 4) x + 5 – 2 x + 3 = 7 – 3 x – 1
will no longer appear in front of the
5) 2( x – 1) = 3( x + 1) – 3
variable. In the case of –y = 14, you would
come out with a solution of y = –14. 6) 5(2 x – 3) + x = 2(2 – x ) + 7

Step 2: Add and Subtract Step 3: Multiply and Divide

11 x = 22
11 x = 22
11 11
14 x + 12 = 34 + 3 x x=2
14 x + 12 – 12 = 34 + 3 x – 12
14 x = 22 + 3 x Check your answer

14 x – 3 x = 22 + 3 x – 3 x 6 x + 4(2 x + 3) = 34 + 3 x
11 x = 22 6(2) + 4(2 x 2 + 3) = 34 + 3(2)

12 + 4(7) = 34 + 6

40 = 40 Correct!

3 Determine which • In this example, subtract 12 4 Determine which • In this example, divide
numbers and from both sides of the numbers you need to both sides of the equation
variables you need equation to move all the multiply or divide by by 11 to place the variable
to add or subtract to numbers to the right side of to place the variable by itself on the left side of
place the variable by the equation. You can then by itself on one side the equation. The variable x
itself on one side of subtract 3x from both sides of the equation. remains on the left side
the equation, usually of the equation to place all Then multiply or of the equation by itself
the left side. Then the variables on the left side divide by the same because 11 ÷ 11 equals 1.
add or subtract the of the equation. numbers on both Note: For more information
same numbers and Note: For more information on sides of the equation. on multiplying and dividing
variables on both adding and subtracting numbers and numbers in equations, see
sides of the equation. variables in equations, see page 64. page 66.

69
Solve for a Variable in an
Equation with Multiple Variables

In algebra, it is common to come across equations
that have more than one variable. An equation
containing multiple variables, such as a – 2 = 4 + b,
shows you the relationship between the variables.
You can easily isolate any of the variables to one
side of the equation to simplify the relationship.
For example, if you know that a = 6 + b, you do
not need to know the numerical value of a in
order to define b. By simply rearranging the
equation, you can find that b = a – 6.
Working with equations containing multiple
variables is really no more difficult than working
with equations that have just one variable. The
only difference is that your final result will have
variables on both sides of the equation.

Step 1: Simplify Each Side of the Equation

Solve for x in the equation

2(3 x + 6) + 4 x – y = 32
6 x + 12 + 4 x – y = 32

2(3 x + 6) + 4 x – y = 32 10 x + 12 – y = 32

6 x + 12 + 4 x – y = 32

1 If an equation contains
parentheses ( ), use the
distributive property on
each side of the equals
sign ( = ) to remove the
parentheses that surround
numbers and variables.
• In this example, 2(3x + 6)
works out to 6x + 1 2.
Note: The distributive 2 Add, subtract, multiply Note: For information on
property allows you and divide any numbers adding and subtracting
to remove a set or variables that can be variables, see page 36.
of parentheses by combined on each side For information on
multiplying each number of the equation. multiplying and dividing
or variable inside the variables, see page 38.
parentheses by a number • In this example, 6x + 4 x
equals 1 0 x.
or variable directly
outside the parentheses.
For more information on
the distributive property,
see page 30.

70
 Chapter 3 Solving Basic Equations

Tip Pra
ctice
Once I have solved for a variable in an Solve for x in the following equations.
equation, do I need to further simplify You can check your answers on page 252.
the answer?
1. 2 x + 3 – y = 5
If you end up with a fraction that has
two or more numbers and variables added 2. x + 6 y = 4 – x
or subtracted in the numerator, you can 3. 3( y + 4) = 5 + x
simplify your answer by splitting the fraction
into smaller fractions. Each new fraction will Solve for y in the following equations.
contain one term of the original numerator You can check your answers on page 252.
and a duplicate of the denominator.
4. 2( x – 1) + 2 y = 5 + y
20 + y y y
x = = 20 + = 2+ 5. 3( x + y ) – 4 y = 2
10 10 10 10
6. y + x + 2 = 4 – y + x

Step 2: Add and Subtract Step 3: Multiply and Divide

10 x + 12 – y = 32
10 x = 20 + y
10 x + 12 – y – 12 = 32 – 12
10 x 20 + y
10 x – y = 20 =
10 10
10 x – y + y = 20 + y 20 + y
x=
10
10 x = 20 + y

3 Determine which numbers • In this example,
and variables you need to
add or subtract to place
the variable by itself on
one side of the equation,
usually the left side.
4 Add or subtract the
numbers and/or variables
you determined in step 3
on both sides of the
equation.
subtract 12 from both
sides of the equation.
You can then add y to
both sides of the
equation.
Note: For information on
adding and subtracting
numbers and variables in
equations, see page 64.
5 Determine which • In this example, divide
numbers you need to
multiply or divide by
to place the variable
by itself on one side
of the equation.
6 Multiply or divide by
the numbers you
determined in step 5
on both sides of the
equation.
both sides of the
equation by 1 0. The x
variable remains by
itself on the left side of
the equation because
1 0 ÷ 10 equals 1.
Note: For information on
multiplying and dividing
numbers in equations,
see page 66.

71
Solve an Equation
with Absolute Values
Every once in a while you will come across an You will have to approach absolute value
equation that contains an innocent-looking pair equations slightly differently than you would
of absolute value symbols ( | | ) such as x = | y + 3| . approach a normal equation because an
These equations are known as absolute value absolute value equation may result in more
equations and they are not as simple as they look. than one answer. For example, the absolute
value equation |x| = 1 + 3 can be simplified
Remember that the absolute value of a number
as |x| = 4. You can then determine that x = 4
or variable is always the positive value of that
or –4. You get two answers for the price of one!
number or variable, whether the number or
variable is positive or negative. So |a| can
equal either a or –a.

Step 1: Isolate the Absolute Value Expression

5 | 4 x + 2 | + 6 = 56

5 | 4 x + 2 | + 6 = 56 5 | 4 x + 2 | + 6 – 6 = 56 – 6

5 | 4 x + 2 | = 50

• When solving an Note: An absolute value 1 Determine which numbers • In this example,
equation that expression consists of variables and variables you need to subtract 6 from both
contains an absolute and/or numbers inside absolute add or subtract to place the sides of the equation
value expression, you value symbols | | . The result of absolute value expression to remove 6 from the
first need to place an absolute value expression is by itself on one side of the left side of the
the absolute value always greater than zero or equal equation. equation.
expression by itself
on one side of the
to zero. For more information on
absolute values, see page 24.
2 Add or subtract the Note: For information on
numbers and variables you adding and subtracting
equation. determined in step 1 on numbers and variables in
both sides of the equation. equations, see page 64.

72
 Chapter 3 Solving Basic Equations

Tip
How do I solve a simple
equation with absolute values?
Simple equations containing
absolute values, like | x | = 8,
are fairly simple to evaluate.
Remember that all you are being
asked for is the possible solutions
for x. In the example | x | = 8,
both 8 and –8 have an absolute
value of 8, so x = 8 or –8.
Tip
Why do I need to create two
equations from each equation
that contains absolute values?
The key to solving an equation that
contains absolute values is removing
the absolute value symbols ( | | ).
Values within these symbols may have
a negative or positive value, so you
have to work out both possibilities by
creating and solving two equations.

Step 2: Create Two New Equations

5 | 4 x + 2 | = 50
| 4 x + 2 | = 10
5 | 4 x + 2 | = 50
5 5
4 x + 2 = 10 4 x + 2 = –10

| 4 x + 2 | = 10

3 Determine which
numbers you need to
multiply or divide by
to place the absolute
value expression by
itself on one side of
the equation.
4 Multiply or divide
by the numbers you
determined in step 3
on both sides of the
equation.
• In this example, • You now need to create 6 For the second
divide both sides of two new equations from equation, place a
the equation by 5 to the original equation. negative sign (–) in
remove 5 from the left
side of the equation.
5 Create two new front of the value on
the opposite side of
equations that look like
Note: For information on the original equation, the absolute value
multiplying and dividing but without the absolute expression.
numbers in equations, value symbols | | .
see page 66.
CONTINUED

73
Solve an Equation
with Absolute Values continued
After you have created two new equations
from the original absolute value equation,
you can solve each of the two new equations
and determine the two possible answers for
the variable in an absolute value equation.
The fun doesn’t end there, though.
Even though it is twice the work, it is vital to
check both of the numbers you found for the
variable. When you place a number you found
for the variable into the original equation and
work out the equation, both sides of the
equation must equal each other in order to
have a solution.
Sometimes both of the numbers you found
for the variable will solve the equation. In
other instances, one or both of your numbers
will fail to solve the equation. This means that
either you have made a mistake and should
double-check your calculations or there is only
one or no solution for the equation.

Step 3: Solve the New Equations

4x = 8 4x = –12
4 x + 2 = 10 4 x + 2 = –10
4x = 8 4 x = –12
4 x + 2 – 2 = 10 – 2 4 x + 2 – 2 = –10 – 2 4 4 4 4
4x = 8 4 x = –12 x=2 x = –3

• You now need to solve 8 Add or subtract the 9 In both equations, 10 Multiply or divide
the two new equations numbers and/or variables determine which by the numbers you
separately in order to you determined in step 7 numbers you need to determined in step 9
determine the answer on both sides of the multiply or divide by on both sides of the
for the original equation. equation. to place the variable equation.
7 In both equations, • In both examples, by itself on one side
of the equation. • In both examples,
determine which subtract 2 from both divide by 4 on both
numbers and variables sides of the equation. sides of the equation.
you need to add or
subtract to place the
variable by itself on one
side of the equation.

74
 Chapter 3 Solving Basic Equations

Tip Pra
ctice
Is there a solution to every equation Solve the following equations
with absolute values? containing absolute values. You can
check your answers on page 252.
No. As you work with equations that
contain absolute values, you will 1) | x | = 5
sometimes come across equations that
have no solution. One dead give-away 2) | 2 x – 3 | = 5
is when the absolute value equals a 3) 2 | x – 1 | = 8
negative number, as in | 4x + 2 | = –10.
Don’t even bother working out these 4) 2 | 3 x – 4 | – 3 = 5
equations because no matter what x 5) | 3 x – 9 | = 0
equals, the absolute value of the
expression within the absolute value 6) 3 | 2 x + 6 | + 5 = 2
symbols cannot equal a negative
number.

Step 4: Check Your Answers

If x = 2 If x = –3
5 | 4 x + 2 | + 6 = 56 5 | 4 x + 2 | + 6 = 56
5 | 4(2) + 2 | + 6 = 56 5 | 4(–3) + 2 | + 6 = 56
5 | 8 + 2 | + 6 = 56 5 | –12 + 2 | + 6 = 56
5 | 10 | + 6 = 56 5 | –10 | + 6 = 56
5 x 10 + 6 = 56 5 x 10 + 6 = 56
56 = 56 Correct! 56 = 56 Correct!

11 To check your answers, place 12 Place the second number you

the first number you found found into the original equation
into the original equation and solve the problem. If both
and solve the problem. If sides of the equation are equal,
both sides of the equation this number also correctly solves
are equal, this number the equation.
correctly solves the equation.

75
Test Your Skills

Solving Basic Equations

Question 1. Solve the following equations.

a) 2 + x = 5 g) –8 x = –5
b) x – 4 = 10 h) x = 6
c) x + 3 = 0 4

d) 2 x = –8 i) x = 10
5
3
e) 3 x = 5 j) 2 x = 1
f) – x = –2
k) 3 x = 3
7

Question 2. Solve the following equations.

a) 2 x + x + 1 = 2
b) 2 x + 1 = x
c) 2 x + 3 = 4 x + 4
d) 20 – x (4 + 1) = 5 x
e) 8 x – 2(5 x + 6) = 20
f) 5 x + 4(2 x – 7) = –15

Question 3. Solve for y in the following equations.

a) y + x = 0
b) x + y = 2 + x
c) 2 y + 3 x = 5 – x
d) x – 1 = y + 4
e) y + x + y + 1 = 2 x – 3 y + 8
f) 2( x – y ) = 3( x + y + 1)

76
 Chapter 3 Solving Basic Equations

Question 4. Solve the following equations.

a) |x | = 3
b) |–x | = 2
c) |x | = 0
d) | x | = –4
e) |x – 2| = 1
f) | x – 10 | = 3
g) |x + 5| = 5

Question 5. Solve the following equations.

a) |2x | = 4
b) |3x | = 8
c) | 2 x – 1 | = –1
d) |3x – 6| = 0
e) |2x – 1| = 1
f) |5x – 2| + 4 = 6
g) 2 | 3 x – 1 | = 20
h) 4 | 2 x + 3 | + 4 = 20

You can check your answers

on pages 268-269.

77