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: 15 = 2a + 7

Back

a = 4

Front

Solve for a: 6 - 3a = 21

Back

a = -5

Front

Solve for x: -3x + 5 = -13

Back

x = 6

Front

Solve for y: 4y + 1 = 13

Back

y = 3

Front

Back

Multiply both sides by 4 to eliminate the fraction.

Front

Back

x = 43

Front

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

Back

To 'undo' an operation means to perform the opposite operation to reverse the effect of the original operation.

Front

What is the inverse operation of addition?

Back

The inverse operation of addition is subtraction.