Solving two-step equations

Learn the method, practise it, then try real exam questions.

ATeaching

Example 1

Solve 3x + 5 = 20

  1. 1Look at what is being done to x:
    x is multiplied by 3, then 5 is added
  2. 2Undo the + 5 first. Do the inverse (opposite) operation to both sides:
  3. 3Simplify both sides:
    3x = 15
  4. 4Undo the multiplying by 3. Do the inverse (opposite) operation to both sides:
  5. 5Simplify both sides:
    x = 5

x = 5

Example 2

Solve x4 − 5 = −2

  1. 1Look at what is being done to x:
    x is divided by 4, then 5 is subtracted
  2. 2Undo the − 5 first. Do the inverse (opposite) operation to both sides:
  3. 3Simplify both sides:
    x4 = 3
  4. 4Undo the dividing by 4. Do the inverse (opposite) operation to both sides:
  5. 5Simplify both sides:
    x = 12

x = 12

BQuestion generator

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CWorksheet

Solve two-step equations worksheet

Solve two-step equations

Solve two-step equations involving equations with multiplication and equations with division.
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