Solving Multistep Equations

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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.

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What does it mean to distribute in an equation?

Back

Distributing means to multiply a term by each term inside a set of parentheses. For example, in 3(x + 4), you would calculate 3*x + 3*4.

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How do you combine like terms in an equation?

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Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 2x + 3x = 5x.

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What is the first step in solving the equation 2x - 3 + 4x = 27?

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The first step is to combine like terms: 2x + 4x = 6x, so the equation becomes 6x - 3 = 27.

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What is the solution to the equation 5 + 10(a + 2) = 35?

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First, distribute: 5 + 10a + 20 = 35. Then combine like terms: 10a + 25 = 35. Subtract 25 from both sides: 10a = 10. Finally, divide by 10: a = 1.

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What does it mean to isolate the variable in an equation?

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Isolating the variable means rearranging the equation so that the variable is on one side and all other terms are on the opposite side.

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What is the solution to the equation 3(x + 5) - 6x = -18?

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First, distribute: 3x + 15 - 6x = -18. Combine like terms: -3x + 15 = -18. Subtract 15 from both sides: -3x = -33. Finally, divide by -3: x = 11.

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

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Checking your solution ensures that the value you found satisfies the original equation, confirming that it is correct.

Front

What is the result of distributing -6 in the equation -6(x + 4)?

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The result is -6x - 24.

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How do you solve for a variable when it appears on both sides of an equation?

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To solve for a variable on both sides, you can add or subtract the variable from both sides to get all instances of the variable on one side.