Solving 2-Step Variable Equations

Solving Two-Step Equations

Intro Math Unit 6~Lesson 1

What??? I just learned 1-step!

Relax. You’ll use what you already know to

solve 2-step equations.

So, what’s first?

You need to break the

equation into two steps.

STEP 1

The first step will be either adding or subtracting.

STEP 2

The second step will be either multiplying or dividing.

Let’s try a problem.

8x + 5 = 61This problem has addition, so we need to subtract first.

- 5 - 5 Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other.

8x 56=

Now, Step 2.

8x = 56This problem has multiplication, so we need to divide now.

Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other.8 8

x = 7

Let’s try another problem.

3a - 8 = 4This problem has subtraction, so we need to add first.

+ 8 + 8 Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other.

3a 12=

Now, Step 2.

3a = 12This problem has multiplication, so we need to divide now.

Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other.3 3

a = 4

Now it’s your turn!Copy these problems onto your paper.

Break each problem into 2 parts to solve.

Show all of your work!

7f + 5 = 40

5q – 7 = 13

12t – 6 = 90

4y + 8 = -12

More Practice Problems

The goal is to get the variable by itself.Leave the variable where it is, and move everything away from it.

Follow your steps for solving an equation.1) Undo addition/subtraction with subtraction/addition2) Undo multiplication/division with division/multiplication

Write your steps neatly.

Check to make sure your answer makes sense.Plug your answer back in for the variable in the original problem.Simplify, and make sure you get a true statement.

Problem 1

-12 = -3x + 6

Answer

6 = x

Problem 2

-4x + 20 = 68

Answer

X = -12

Just for fun!

• Above image from http://www.transum.org/Software/SW/Starter_of_the_day/starter_December23.ASP• All other images are from Microsoft Clipart.