Solving Two-Step Equations                  Page 1 of 4
Accompanying Resources: Boom Cards, Fun Activity, Assessment, Google Drive Activity

Review: One-Step Equations

In order to understand how to solve a two-step equation, it's important that you first understand how to solve a one-step equation (check out the lesson if you need a refresher!). When solving an equation, the goal is to get the variable by itself.  In a one-step equation, you use the inverse operation to do this.  

Addition and subtraction are inverses - they can cancel out what the other one has done.  Multiplication and division are also inverses - they can cancel each other out as well.  Let's look at one quick example:

​4 is being subtracted from the variable x.  How do we get x by itself?  To undo subtraction, we need to use the inverse of subtraction: addition.  To cancel out the minus 4, we need to add 4 to both sides.  Remember to always do the same thing to BOTH sides of the equation when solving so that you keep things balanced.  

Welcome to Kate's Math Lessons!  

Teachers,make sure to check out the study guides and activities.

It's pretty easy to check your answer.  Plug 17 in for x in the original equation.  Does 17 - 4 equal 13?  Yes, this means you have the right answer.  

​Make sure to check out the lesson on solving one-step equations if you need extra review.  Go to the next page if you're ready for an equation with 2 steps.
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