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Solve Simple Linear Equations with Unknowns on Each Side

In this worksheet, students will practise solving simple linear equations where there are unknowns on each side.

'Solve Simple Linear Equations with Unknowns on Each Side' worksheet

Key stage:  KS 3

Year:  Year 9 Maths worksheets

Curriculum topic:   Algebra

Curriculum subtopic:   Solve Linear Equations (One Variable)

Popular topics:   Algebra worksheets

Difficulty level:  

Worksheet Overview

Follow this example and the steps used to solve this simple equation with unknowns on both sides.

 

Example

3x - 4 = 5x - 20

 

Method

Reverse so that the bigger x term is on the left (this move is optional but makes it easier)

5x - 20 = 3x - 4

 

Subtract 3x from both sides:

2x - 20 = -4

 

Add 20 to both sides:

2x = 16

 

Divide both sides by 2:

x = 8

 

Check answer

Substitute x = 8 into the original equation 3x - 4 = 5x - 20

Left-hand side = 3 x 8 - 4 = 24 - 4 = 20

Right-hand side = 5 x 8 - 20 = 40 - 20 = 20

 

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