1. Solving Equations… Always “I.I.S” an equation I (isolate) I (inverse)
S (solve)

2. One-Step Equations: Addition
Steps to find the solution
Draw a line down the = sign
Isolate the variable: Put a box around the variable
Inverse the number OUTSIDE the box
Solve it (Laws of Integers  “give me the finger”)

3. One-Step Equation: Subtraction
Steps to find the solution
Draw a line down the = sign
Isolate the variable: Put a box around the variable
Inverse the number OUTSIDE the box
Solve it (Laws of Integers  “give me the finger”)

4. One-Step Equation: Multiplication
Steps to find the solution:
Draw a line down the = sign
Isolate the variable: Put a box around the variable
Inverse the number OUTSIDE the box
“anytime there is a number, next to a variable, next to an equal sign, you always DIVIDE!”

5. One-Step Equation: Division
Steps to find the solution:
Draw a line down the = sign
Isolate the variable: Put a box around the variable
Inverse the number OUTSIDE the box
“Circle it. Move it over. Multiply!”

6. Solving Two-Step Equations
Steps to find the solution:
Box in the coefficient and variable
Perform the inverse operation to the number outside the box
Solve it
Perform the 2nd inverse operation (multiply? Divide?)
Solve it!

7. Solving Multi-Step Equations…
Draw the line down the = sign
Left Column
Right Column
Do you need to apply the laws of integers? –(- ) - (+ )
neg* neg -> positive neg * positive -> negative
Do you need to do the distributive property?
Do you need to combine like terms?
Did you box in the variable?
Did you perform the inverse operation? Do you need to do it twice?
Is the variable by itself?
Is the number by itself? (yes -> then solve the equation)
Do you need to get your Beyoncé’ on???
Inverse ALL variables to the LEFT!

8. Solving Equations: Word Problems
Problem Solving 101: BUCK the Problem
Did you box in the question? What will your variable be = what is the math unknown in the question?
Did you go sentence by sentence and circle the “math stuff”?
Did you scratch out EVERYTHING that is NOT circled?
Did you T.T.P? (Translate. Put it on Top. Put it Together!)
Did you SOLVE the equation?