Flashcard: Multi-Step Equations with Variables on Both Sides

Front

What is a multi-step equation?

Back

A multi-step 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 isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

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

Front

Solve: 2(4x - 3) - 8 = 4 + 2x

Back

x = 3

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 each term inside a parenthesis.

Front

Solve: 10 + 2n = 8n - 2n + 10

Back

n = 0

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power, which can be combined by adding or subtracting their coefficients.

Front

Solve: 5x + 15 = 10x - 40

Back

x = 11

Front

What is the goal of solving equations?

Back

The goal of solving equations is to find the value of the variable that makes the equation true.

Front

Solve: 5y + 34 = -2(-7y + 1)

Back

y = 4

Front

What is a coefficient in an equation?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an algebraic expression.