Steps for solving multi-step equations: Simplify by like terms or

(there should only be one variable after this step)

Undo any or 3. Undo any or

4. answer.

What are two-step equations?

A two-step equation is an algebraic equation you can solve in two steps. Once you've solved it, you've found the value of the variable that makes the equation true.

Example 1

We're given an equation and asked to solve for

x

xx:

3

x

+

2

=

14

3x+2=143, x, plus, 2, equals, 14

We need to manipulate the equation to get

x

xx by itself.

3

x

+

2

=

14

3

x

+

2

−

2

=

14

−

2

3

x

=

12

3

x

3

=

12

3

x

=

4

3x+2

3x+2−2

3x

3

3x

x

=14

=14−2

=12

=

3

12

=4

The solution:

x

=

4

x=4start color #1fab54, x, equals, 4, end color #1fab54

It's always a good idea to check our solution in the original e

3

x

+

2

=

14

3

⋅

4

+

2

14

12

+

2

14

14

=

14

Yes!

3x+2

3⋅4+2

12+2

14

=14

=

?

14

=

?

14

=14 Yes!

Want to learn more about two-step equations? Check out this video.

Example 2

We're asked to solve this equation for

a

aa:

8

=

a

3

+

6

8=

3

a

+68, equals, start fraction, a, divided by, 3, end fraction, plus, 6

We need to manipulate the equation to get

a

aa by itself.

8

=

a

3

square root of 36/6 = 2.449489743

square root of 16/6 = 1.632993162

square root of 6 = 2.449489743

the answer is square root of 16/6 because the square root of 36/6 is the same answer as square root of 6 = 2.449489743