Course 3 - Two-Step Equations Lesson

Course 3 - Two-Step Equations Lesson

Solve for x: 3x = 12

Steps to Solve

You need to get the x on one side alone. How do we do that?

BACKWARDS PEMDAS

The 3 is on the side with the x and is multiplied by the x. What is the opposite of multiplication, division.

You need to divide both sides by 3 to get the x by itself.

When you complete that action you will get x = 4

Solve for x: 2x + 6 = 14

Use backwards PEMDAS when solving the problems. You still need to get the x on a side alone. There is a 2 and a 6 on the side with the x. The 2 is being times by the x and the 6 is being added.
If I use backwards PEMDAS I would move the 6 first because adding comes before multiplication.
You have to do the opposite of what is happening so I would -6 first then divide 2 second
Step 1 - 2x + 6 - 6 = 14 - 6
Step 2 - 2x = 8

Step 3 -  $\frac{2x}{2\ }\ =\ \frac{8}{2}$  
Step 4 - x = 4