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Step 1
Read the problem. Define key words and rewrite them in a "math sentence" using symbols. -
Period: to
Equations
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Step 2
Circle the variable. -
Step 3
Outline the equal sign with your "train tracks". Check each side of the equation to see if you need to distribute or combine like terms. -
Step 4
After you combine like terms on each individual side of the equation, look to combine like terms of both sides of the equation. Move all the numbers(constants) to one side and all the letters(variables) to the other. -
Step 5
Solve the equation by getting the variable completely alone on one side of the equation. -
Step 6
Check your work. Go back to your original equation and plug in your answer. Solve the equation and make sure the math works out correctly. If it does, you solved correctly! If not, re-do the problem.. you made a tiny mistake!