Solving two-step equations (basic)

Front

What is a two-step equation?

Back

A two-step equation is an algebraic equation that requires two operations to solve for the variable.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in a two-step equation?

Back

To isolate a variable, perform the inverse operations in reverse order: first undo addition or subtraction, then undo multiplication or division.

Front

Solve for a: 33 = 4a - 7

Back

a = 10

Front

Solve for c: 3c + 5 = 23

Back

c = 6

Front

Solve for x: 5x - 8 = 12

Back

x = 4

Front

Solve for x: 4x + 7 = 23

Back

x = 4

Front

What is the first step to solve the equation 2x + 3 = 11?

Back

Subtract 3 from both sides to get 2x = 8.

Front

What is the second step to solve the equation 2x = 8?

Back

Divide both sides by 2 to get x = 4.

Front

What does it mean to 'undo' an operation in algebra?

Back

To 'undo' an operation means to perform the opposite operation to isolate the variable.

Front

If you have the equation x + 5 = 12, what is the first step to solve for x?

Back

Subtract 5 from both sides to get x = 7.