Multi-step equations

Front

What is a multi-step equation?

Back

A multi-step equation is an equation that requires more than one step to solve, often involving operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

To isolate a variable, you perform inverse operations to move all terms involving the variable to one side of the equation and constant terms to the other side.

Front

What is the first step in solving the equation 5x - 4 + 2x = 3?

Back

Combine like terms on the left side: 7x - 4 = 3.

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms?

Back

Combining like terms means to add or subtract terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

How do you solve the equation 3(3x - 6) = 18?

Back

First, distribute the 3: 9x - 18 = 18. Then, add 18 to both sides: 9x = 36. Finally, divide by 9: x = 4.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, allowing you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a parenthesis.

Front

How do you check your solution for an equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the solution to the equation 4(x + 9) = 20?

Back

First, divide both sides by 4: x + 9 = 5. Then, subtract 9 from both sides: x = -4.

Front

What is the importance of maintaining balance in an equation?

Back

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

Front

What is a coefficient in an equation?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable, such as the 5 in 5x.