Solving 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. It often involves combining like terms, using the distributive property, and isolating the variable.

Front

How do you combine like terms in an equation?

Back

To combine like terms, add or subtract the coefficients of terms that have the same variable. For example, in the equation 5x + 2x, you combine to get 7x.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by each term inside a parenthesis.

Front

Solve for x: 5x - 4 + 2x = 3

Back

x = 1

Front

What does it mean to isolate a variable?

Back

Isolating a variable means to get the variable alone on one side of the equation, making it easier to solve.

Front

Solve for n: -(n - 8) = -2

Back

n = 10

Front

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

Back

The first step is to apply the distributive property: 3x + 8x - 8 = 3.

Front

Solve for x: 4x + 10 = -26

Back

x = -9

Front

What is a coefficient in an equation?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable. For example, in 5x, 5 is the coefficient.

Front

What does it mean to check your solution?

Back

Checking your solution means substituting your answer back into the original equation to verify that it makes the equation true.