Multi Step Equations

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

Step 1: Subtract 3 from both sides: 2x = 8. Step 2: Divide both sides by 2: x = 4.

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.

Step 1: Distribute 3: 3x - 6 = 12. Step 2: Add 6 to both sides: 3x = 18. Step 3: Divide by 3: x = 6.

Isolating a variable means to manipulate the equation so that the variable is on one side of the equation by itself.

Step 1: Subtract 3x from both sides: 2x + 2 = 10. Step 2: Subtract 2 from both sides: 2x = 8. Step 3: Divide by 2: x = 4.

Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Step 1: Subtract 3y from both sides: y - 5 = 10. Step 2: Add 5 to both sides: y = 15.

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

Step 1: Distribute 2: 2x + 8 = 16. Step 2: Subtract 8 from both sides: 2x = 8. Step 3: Divide by 2: x = 4.