Solving two-step equations

Front

What is a two-step equation?

Back

A two-step equation is an algebraic equation that requires two operations to solve for the variable.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in a two-step equation?

Back

To isolate a variable, perform the inverse operations in reverse order: first undo addition or subtraction, then undo multiplication or division.

Front

Solve for a: 33 = 4a - 7

Back

a = 10

Front

Solve for a: 6 - 3a = 21

Back

a = -5

Front

Solve for a: -5 - 6a = -59

Back

a = 9

Front

Solve for a: 3 + (1/4)a = 31

Back

a = 112

Front

Solve for a: (a + 3)/7 = 3

Back

a = 18

Front

What is the first step to solve the equation 4x + 5 = 25?

Back

Subtract 5 from both sides to get 4x = 20.

Front

What is the second step to solve the equation 4x = 20?

Back

Divide both sides by 4 to get x = 5.

Front

What does it mean to 'undo' an operation in algebra?

Back

To 'undo' an operation means to perform the opposite operation to isolate the variable.