Solving Simple Equations

Since the two expressions on either side of the equals sign are equal, we can use any operation we want on one expression as long as we do the exact same thing to the other expression. This is generally known as keeping equations balanced.

To combine like terms, add or subtract all of the terms with the same variable.

Two terms on opposite sides of an equation can be canceled if and only if they exactly match each other; they must have the same variable raised to the same power and the same coefficient.