Multi-Step Equations

Multi-Step Equations

Goals

• Isolate the variable

• Reverse PEMDAS

• Distribute if there are parentheses

Ex: 5(6x - 7) =  11 + 7x

• Distribute FIRST: 30x - 35 = 11 + 7x

• Move all variables to one side using reverse operations: 23x - 35 = 11

• Move all constants to the OTHER side of the equation using reverse operations: 23x = 46

• Divide by the coefficient on both sides: x = 2

Ex: -2(1 - 4x) = 6x + 12

• Distribute: -2 + 8x = 6x + 12

• Move all variables to one side:                   -2 + 2x = 12

• Move all constants to the other side:            2x = 14
  
  

• Divide by coefficient: x = 7

Multiple Choice

3n + 9 + 4n = 2

• n = 1

• n = -1

• n = 7

• n = 11

Multiple Choice

5x + 12 - 2x = -15

• x =2

• x = 4

• x = 5

• x = -9

Multiple Choice

2(x - 1) = 16

• x= 8

• x = 7

• x = 9

• x = -8

Multiple Choice

2(3x - 5) + 4x = 50

• x = 5

• x = 6

• x = 9

• x =10

Multiple Choice

t - 8t - 10 = -3(-4x + 5)

• x = 3

• x = 7

• x = 5

• x = -1