Solving two-step equations

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 eliminate the constant term, then the coefficient of the variable.

Front

Solve for a: 7 + a/3 = 5

Back

a = -6

Front

Solve for x: -9x + 1 = -80

Back

x = 9

Front

Solve for x: 2x + 3(5x - 7) = 47

Back

x = 4

Front

Solve for s: 10 = s/2 + 7

Back

s = 6

Front

Solve for m: 13 = 5m - 2

Back

m = 3

Front

What is the first step to solve the equation 3x + 4 = 10?

Back

Subtract 4 from both sides to isolate the term with x.

Front

What does it mean to perform the inverse operation?

Back

An inverse operation undoes the effect of another operation, such as addition and subtraction or multiplication and division.

Front

If you have the equation x/4 = 2, how do you solve for x?

Back

Multiply both sides by 4 to isolate x.