1. Solving Two-Step Equations
Chapter 4

2. What is a two-step equation?
A two-step equation has two different operations in one equation.
Remember that the 4 main operations are:
Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division

3. To Solve a Two-Step Equation:
Step 1: Undo the addition or subtraction first.
Step 2: Undo the multiplication or division next.

4. How do I “Undo” an Operation?
To undo an operation, you must do the inverse (or opposite).
Subtraction is the inverse of addition.
Addition is the inverse of subtraction.
Multiplication is the inverse of division.
Division is the inverse of multiplication.

5. What if there are variables on both sides of the equation?
If there are variables on both sides of the equation, the goal is to combine “like” terms (terms that contain the variable) so that the variable is on only ONE side of the equation.
Example:
3x – 2 = 2x + 1
-2x x
1x – 2 = 1
x = 3