Two-step Equations

The inverse of addition is

• multiplication

• division

• subtraction

• grouping

The inverse of division is

• multiplication

• addition

• subtraction

• grouping

In order to solve this equation algebraically

3x – 2 = 16

your first step will be to

• multiply both sides by 3

• divide both sides by 3

• subtract 2 from both sides

• add 2 to both sides

In order to solve this equation algebraically

8 – 2x = 24

your SECOND step will be to

• add 8 to both sides

• subtract 8 from both sides

• divide both sides by 2

• divide both sides by –2

Solve for x

2x + 5 = 17

• x = 11

• x = 6

• x = 3.5

• x = 1

Solve for n

 $\frac{n}{3}-10\ =\ -7$ 

• n = –51

• n = 1

• n = 9

• n = 7

Solve for x

 $\frac{x-3}{5}=6$  

• x = 4.2

• x = 33

• x = 45

• x = 27

Solve for y

 $9-y\ =\ 42$  

• y = 33

• y = –33

• y = 51

• y = 9

Solve for w

8 = 3w – 1

• w = 3

• w = 2.33

• w = 3.67

• w = 1.67

Solve for n

–6n + 17 =  – 43

• n = 11

• n = 4.33

• n = –10

• n = 10