Solving 2-Step Variable Equations

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

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