Multistep Equations

Front

What is a multistep equation?

Back

A multistep 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

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 other side.

Front

Solve for x: 4 = 2(x + 3)

Back

x = -1

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 two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

Solve for y: 3y + 6 + 4y - 7 = -8

Back

y = -1

Front

What is the first step in solving a multistep equation?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to check your solution?

Back

Checking your solution means substituting your answer back into the original equation to verify that both sides are equal.

Front

What is a coefficient in an equation?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an equation, such as the 3 in 3y.

Front

What is a constant in an equation?

Back

A constant is a fixed value that does not change, such as the numbers 6 and -7 in the equation 3y + 6 + 4y - 7 = -8.