Solving 2-Step Variable Equations

What??? I just learned 1-step! Relax. You’ll use what you already know to solve 2-step equations.

Opposite Operations Addition  Subtraction Multiplication  Division

Helpful Hints? Identify what operations are on the variable side. (Add, Sub, Mult, Div) “Undo” the operation by using opposite operations. Whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other side to keep equation balanced.

So, what’s first? You need to break up the equation into its two steps.

STEP 1 The first step will always be either adding or subtracting. + -

÷ • STEP 2 The second step will always be either multiplying or dividing. ÷ •

8x + 5 = 61 - 5 - 5 = 56 8x Let’s try a problem. This problem has addition, so we need to subtract first. Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. = 56 8x

Now, Step 2. 8x = 56 Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. This problem has multiplication, so we need to divide now. 8 8 x 7 =

Let’s try another problem. + 8 + 8 This problem has subtraction, so we need to add first. Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. = 12 3a

Now, Step 2. 3a = 12 Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. This problem has multiplication, so we need to divide now. 3 3 a 4 =

Now you try some problems. Copy these problems onto a piece of paper. Break each problem into 2 parts to solve. Show all your work! 12t – 6 = 90 7f + 5 = 40 5q – 7 = 13 4y + 8 = -12