Equations with Brackets Worksheet

How to solve an equation with brackets

First multiply out the brackets: the number in front multiplies every term inside. Then solve as usual.

Example: 3(x + 4) = 27

1. Multiply out: ${3x + 12 = 27}$.
2. Subtract 12 from both sides: ${3x = 15}$.
3. Divide both sides by 3: ${x = 5}$.

Check: ${3 \times (5 + 4) = 3 \times 9 = 27}$.

Example: 6(x + 1) = 3(x + 9)

1. Multiply out both sides: ${6x + 6 = 3x + 27}$.
2. Subtract $3x$ from both sides: ${3x + 6 = 27}$.
3. Subtract 6 from both sides: ${3x = 21}$.
4. Divide both sides by 3: ${x = 7}$.

Check: ${6 \times (7 + 1) = 48}$ and ${3 \times (7 + 9) = 48}$.

A minus in front of a bracket changes every sign inside: ${-2(x - 1) = -2x + 2}$.

Without brackets: Solving Linear Equations Worksheet.