Solve two-step equations

Key Notes:

What is a Two-Step Equation?

A two-step equation is an equation that can be solved in two operations (addition/subtraction and multiplication/division).

Example: 2x+3=11

You need two steps to find x.

---

The Goal

Find the value of the variable (usually x) by undoing the operations in reverse order of the equation.

---

Steps to Solve a Two-Step Equation

Step 1: Undo addition or subtraction

• Add or subtract the same number from both sides to remove the constant term.

Step 2: Undo multiplication or division

• Multiply or divide both sides to isolate the variable.

---

Example Problems

Example 1

2x+3=11

Step 1: Subtract 3 from both sides

2x=8

Step 2: Divide both sides by 2

x=4

Example 2

5x−4=16

Step 1: Add 4 to both sides

5x=20

Step 2: Divide both sides by 5

x=4

Example 3 (with negatives)

−3x+5=−7

Step 1: Subtract 5 from both sides

−3x=−12

Step 2: Divide both sides by -3

x=4

Important Tips

• Always keep the equation balanced by doing the same operation on both sides.
• Be careful with negative signs when dividing or multiplying.
• Check your answer by substituting back into the original equation.

Practice Problems

• 4x+7=19
• 6x−8=10
• −2x+9=3
• x/3+5=9
• x/4−2=6

To solve for a variable, use inverse operations to undo the operations in the equation. Be sure to do the same operation to both sides of the equation.

Learn with an example

let’s practice!