Solving 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 like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

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 raised to the same power.

Front

What is the first step in solving the equation 2m + 6m = 32?

Back

Combine like terms: 2m + 6m becomes 8m, so the equation simplifies to 8m = 32.

Front

What does it mean to distribute in an equation?

Back

Distributing means to multiply a term outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 5x - 4 + 2x = 3?

Back

Combine like terms to get 7x - 4 = 3, then solve for x to find x = 1.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

To isolate a variable, perform inverse operations to get the variable by itself on one side of the equation.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 4 = 2(x + 3)?

Back

Distributing gives 4 = 2x + 6. Subtract 6 from both sides to get -2 = 2x, then divide by 2 to find x = -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

What is the solution to the equation 4 - 2(x - 3) = 24?

Back

Distributing gives 4 - 2x + 6 = 24. Combine like terms to get 10 - 2x = 24, then solve for x to find x = -7.

Front

What does it mean to have a negative solution in an equation?

Back

A negative solution indicates that the value of the variable is less than zero, which can have different interpretations depending on the context.