Multistep Equations

Front

What is a multistep equation?

Back

A multistep 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, perform inverse operations to both sides of the equation until the variable is alone on one side.

Front

What is the first step in solving the equation 3(3x - 6) = 18?

Back

Distribute the 3 to both terms inside the parentheses: 9x - 18 = 18.

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

Solve: 3a + 9 + 4a = 2

Back

a = -1.

Front

What is the solution to the equation -14a + 20 = 14a - 8?

Back

a = 1.

Front

What is the purpose of checking your solution in an equation?

Back

Checking your solution ensures that the value you found satisfies the original equation.

Front

Solve: 3x + 2(4x - 4) = 3

Back

x = 1.

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 each term inside a parentheses.

Front

How do you handle negative signs when solving equations?

Back

When you encounter a negative sign, treat it as a multiplication by -1 and apply it to the terms that follow.