Equations With Parentheses

How to solve equations with parentheses

1. Remove the parentheses first. Use the distributive property when a number or variable is multiplying a parenthesized expression. Multiply the outside factor by each term inside the parentheses.

2. Combine like terms. After expanding, simplify both sides of the equation by collecting terms with the same variable and combining constants.

3. Isolate the variable. Use inverse operations to move numbers away from the variable. Add or subtract first, then multiply or divide as needed.

4. Keep both sides balanced. Whatever operation you do to one side of the equation, do to the other side as well.

5. Check your solution. Substitute your answer back into the original equation, including the parentheses, to make sure both sides match.

Example strategy

If you see something like a term outside parentheses, expand it before solving. If parentheses are on both sides, simplify each side carefully before moving terms.

Common mistake to avoid

Do not drop the parentheses without distributing. For example, a factor outside parentheses must multiply every term inside.

Final check

A correct solution should make the original equation true when substituted back in, and the final answer should be fully simplified.