Question 12357
Please see my Lesson Plan on Equation Solving, or my Website under Basic Algebra, Samples of Basic Algebra: One Step at a Time.  For your convenience I summarize the rule for you here:


Strategy Summary:  Equation Solving


Step 1:	If there are parentheses in the problem, eliminate them by use of the distributive property.


Step 2:	Combine like terms (if possible) on each side of the equal sign.


Step 3:	Using the "principle of opposites," get all variable terms to one side of the equation.


Step 4:	Using the "principle of opposites," get all number terms to the other side of the equation.


Step 5:	Divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient of the variable--that is, the number times the variable.  (Or multiply both sides times the reciprocal of the coefficient.)  If the coefficient is positive, divide by a positive number.  If the coefficient is negative, divide by a negative number.  The coefficient of the variable MUST be a positive one (+1) when you are through.


R^2 at SCC