Review: One-Step EquationsIn 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. 
|
|
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.
