1. Equations:
Multi-Step Examples .

2. Distributive Property
Solve: -7(x - 3) = -7
Distributive Property
-7x + 21 = -7
-7x = -28
x = 4
Draw “the river”
Distribute
Subtract 21 from both sides
Simplify
Divide both sides by -7
Check your answer
Check
-7(x - 3) = -7
-7(4 - 3) = -7
-7 = -7

3. Solve 4 = 7x - 3x 4 = 4x 4 4 1 = x Like Terms Check your answer Check
1 = x
Draw “the river”
– Notice: variables are on the same side!
Combine like terms
Divide both sides by 4
Simplify
Check your answer
Check
4 = 7x - 3x
4 = 7(1) - 3(1)
4 = 7 – 3
4 = 4

4. Why doesn’t this look like a
3x + 2 = 4x - 1
Why doesn’t this look like a
two-step equation?
You need to get the variables on one side of the equation. It does not matter which variable you move. Try to move the one that will keep your variable positive!

5. - 3x - 3x 2 = x - 1 + 1 + 1 3 = x Solve: 3x + 2 = 4x - 1
Move the variable
- 3x x
2 = x - 1
3 = x
Draw “the river”
Move variable: Subtract 3x from both sides
Simplify
Add 1 to both sides
Check your answer
Check:
3x = 4x -1
3(3) + 2 = 4(3) - 1
9 + 2 = 12 – 1
11 = 11