Equations with the

unknown on both
sides.
Lesson Objective:
An equation is like a set of scales.
To keep it balanced, whatever you
do to one side you must do to the
other.

Use this idea to solve equations like:

• 3x + 1 = x + 7
• 2 (3x + 1) = 3 (x – 2)
 Solving Only want ‘x’ on one
equations: side

2x + 1 = x + 5
Subtract x from each side
x+1=5
Subtract 1 from each side
x=4
Check your answer. Does the equation
balance?
2x4 + 1 = 4 + 5 
 Solving Only want ‘x’ on one
equations: side

5x - 2 = 2x + 4
Subtract 2x from each side
3x - 2 = 4
Add 2 to each side
3x = 6
Divide each side by 3
x=2
Check your answer. Does the equation
balance?
5x2 - 2 = 2x2 + 4 
 On whiteboards: Solve each
equation
• 2x + 2 = x x=7
+9
x=2
• 3x + 1 = x
+5 x=4

• 6x – 8 = 4x x = -3

• 5x + 1 = x -
11
 In your books:
Write each equation and solve it to find x.
A) 2x – 1 = x + 3 x=4
C) 3x + 4 = x + x=3
10
x=2
E) 5x – 6 = 2x
x = -3
G) 4x + 1 = x - 8
x=7
I) 2x + 3 = x +
10
x=8
K) 4x – 1 = 3x +
7
x=3
Extension:
Solving equations with
brackets:
2 (x + 3) = x + 11
Multiply out the bracket
2x + 6 = x + 11
Subtract x from each side
x + 6 = 11
Subtract 6 from each side
x=5
Practice
Solving equations with brackets on
both sides:
2 (3x – 1 ) = 3 (x + 2)
Multiply out the brackets
6x - 2 = 3x + 6
Subtract 3x from each side
3x -2 = + 6
Add 2 to each side
3x = 8
Divide each side by 3
x = 8/3 = 2 2/3
 In your books:
Write each equation and solve it to find x.
• 2 (x + 3) = x + 7 x=1

• 5 (2x - 1) = 3x + 9 x=2

• 2 (5x + 2 ) = 5x - 1 x = -1

• 3 (x – 1) = 2 (x + 1) x=5

• 3 (3x + 2) = 2 (x + 1) x = -4/7

• 3 (4x – 3) = 2 (2x + 3) x = 15/8 = 1

7/8
Extensions: 7(x – 2) = 3
(2x – 7) x=-7
3(3x - 1) = 5 (x x = -8
 How could you check each
answer?
• 2 (x + 3) = x + 7
x=1 means 2 (1 + 3) = 1 +
7
• 5 (2x - 1) = 3x + 9 2 x 4 = 8 

x = 2 means 5 (2x2 -1) = 3x2

+9
5x3=6+9
• 2 (5x +2 ) = 5x - 1