Examine the equation in question. For example, assume that you are given the following equation to solve: 2x^2 + 3 = 35
Look for any constants that are being added or subtracted to x. Perform the opposite operation on both sides of the equation to remove the constants from the side containing the variable. In the above example, subtracting 3 from both sides of the equation gives us a new equation of (2x^2 + 3) - 3 = (35) - 3, or 2x^2 = 32.
(See Reference 1)
Look for any constants that are being multiplied by or divided from x. Perform the opposite operation on both sides of the equation, treating x as if it were a whole number, to remove the constants from the side containing the variable. In the above example, dividing 2 from both sides of the equation gives us a new equation of (2x^2) / 2 = (32) / 2, or x^2 = 16.
(See Reference 1)
Look for any exponents that are increasing the power x. Perform the appropriate root operation on both sides of the equation to remove the exponents from the side containing the variable. In the this example, applying the square root to both sides of the equation gives us a new equation of sqrt(x^2) = sqrt(16), or x = 4.
(See Reference 1)