Solving Two-Step Equations

Algebra Tiles

Variable Zero Pairs

Zero Pairs

Example 1

Check our work

-5 = 2x + 1-5 = 2(-3) + 1

-5 = -6 + 1-5 = -5

Example 2

Let’s check our work: 3x – 2 = 43(2) – 2 = 4 6 – 2 = 4 4 = 4

Example 3

Let’s check our work: 2x + 1 = 52(2) + 1 = 5 4 + 1 = 5 5 = 5

Steps for solving

• Get the variable term by itself.• In other words, do the addition/subtraction first.• Isolate the variable.• In other words, do the multiplication/ division last.

*****HINT! Whatever you do to one side of the equation you MUST do to the other side!

Example

• 2x + 3 = 7 *Get the variable term alone* -3 -3 “undo” addition by subtraction 2 x = 4 *Isolate the variable* 2 2 “undo” multiplication by division x = 2

Solve + 4 = 9

+ 4 = 9 - 4 - 4 (Subt. 4 from both sides)

3 = 5 3 (Mult. by 3 on both sides)

x = 15

𝒙𝟑

𝒙𝟑

𝒙𝟑

= 5

𝒙𝟑

a) 3x – 5 = 16

b) 12 = 13 +

c) 16 = 4n + 4

d) – 6 = 4

Try These Problems

y = -4

x = 7

n = 3

n = 20

𝑦4

𝑛2

Time to Review!

• Keep the equation balanced.• Use inverse operations to “undo”

• Follow the rules:1. Undo Addition or Subtaction2. Undo Multiplication or Division

Practice Worksheet