When we say that a variable is only on 1 side of the equation, that means the variable(s) (or letter) is either to the left or the right of the equal sign.

For now, we also mean that there is only 1 variable represented.

Example algebraic equations with one variable:

• 5b = 15
• 9x – 3 = 24
• -15 = a ÷ 2

Example equations that do not have the variable on one side of the equation:

• 8x + 3 = 5 – x
• 2b x 9 = b
• 10w = 8 + w