Multi-Step Equation Word Problems

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 represent a word problem as an equation?

Back

Identify the unknown, assign a variable, translate the words into mathematical operations, and set up an equation based on the relationships described.

Front

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

Back

Isolating a variable means manipulating the equation to get the variable on one side and all other terms on the opposite side.

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 parentheses.

Front

How do you combine like terms in an equation?

Back

Combine like terms by adding or subtracting coefficients of the same variable. For example, 2x + 3x = 5x.

Front

What is the first step in solving a multi-step equation?

Back

The first step is to simplify both sides of the equation by combining like terms and using the distributive property if necessary.

Front

How do you check your solution for a multi-step equation?

Back

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

Front

What is a variable in an equation?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value in an equation.

Front

What does it mean to 'solve for x'?

Back

To 'solve for x' means to find the value of x that makes the equation true.

Front

What is a coefficient in an equation?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable. For example, in 3x, 3 is the coefficient.