Solving Multistep/Variables on both sides Equations

Front

What is a multistep equation?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to have variables on both sides of an equation?

Back

Having variables on both sides of an equation means that the variable appears on both the left and right sides, requiring manipulation to isolate the variable.

Front

How do you solve the equation 3(s+2)-s=38?

Back

First, distribute: 3s + 6 - s = 38. Combine like terms: 2s + 6 = 38. Subtract 6 from both sides: 2s = 32. Divide by 2: s = 16.

Front

What is the first step in solving -11 + 3(b + 5) = 7?

Back

Distribute the 3: -11 + 3b + 15 = 7.

Front

How do you isolate the variable in the equation 2x - 3 + 4x = 27?

Back

Combine like terms: 6x - 3 = 27. Add 3 to both sides: 6x = 30. Divide by 6: x = 5.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 5 = 4 - x?

Back

Rearranging gives 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 two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms?

Back

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

Front

How do you check your solution for an equation?

Back

Substitute the solution back into the original equation to see if both sides are equal.

Front

What is the purpose of isolating the variable in an equation?

Back

Isolating the variable allows you to solve for its value, making it easier to understand the relationship in the equation.