Solving a Linear Equation in One Variable
Step 1 Clear fractions. Eliminate any fractions by multiplying each side by the least common denominator.
Step 2 Simplify each side separately. Use the distributive property to clear parentheses and combine like terms as needed.
Step 3 Isolate the variable terms on one side. Use the addition property to get all terms with variables on one side of the equation and all numbers on the other.
Step 4 Isolate the variable. Use the multiplication property to get an equation with just the variable (with coefficient 1) on one side.
Step 5 Check. Substitute the proposed solution into the original equation.