Multi-Step Equations (Variables on One Side)

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What is a multi-step equation?

Back

A multi-step equation is an equation that requires more than one step to solve for the variable. It often involves combining like terms, using the distributive property, and isolating the variable.

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What does it mean to have variables on one side of an equation?

Back

Having variables on one side of an equation means that all the terms containing the variable are grouped together on one side, while the constant terms are on the other side.

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

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To isolate a variable, you perform inverse operations to move other terms to the opposite side of the equation, simplifying step by step until the variable is alone.

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What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, allowing you to multiply a single term by each term inside a set of parentheses.

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What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. They can be combined by adding or subtracting their coefficients.

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What is the first step in solving a multi-step equation?

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The first step is often to simplify both sides of the equation by combining like terms and using the distributive property if necessary.

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How do you check your solution for a multi-step equation?

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To check your solution, substitute the value of the variable back into the original equation to see if both sides are equal.

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What is the importance of maintaining balance in an equation?

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Maintaining balance in an equation means that whatever operation you perform on one side must also be performed on the other side to keep the equation true.

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What does it mean to combine like terms?

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Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable and exponent, simplifying the expression.

Front

What is an inverse operation?

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An inverse operation is an operation that reverses the effect of another operation, such as addition and subtraction or multiplication and division.