Steps for Solving 1st Degree (Linear) Equations:

        1. Clear parentheses. (by distributive property)

        2. Clear fractions. (Multiply each term in the equation by the LCD)

        3. Combine similar terms on each side of the equal sign.

        4. Use addition/subtraction to put all variable terms on one side of

            the equation and all constants on the other side.

        5. Divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient of x.

        6. Simplify your answer.