Example 2Example 2

4 m8 m

5m

12 m

x

y

Solving Multi-Step Equations

* Use two or more transformations to solve an

equation

Remember solving an equation is a balancing act.

What you do to one side you have to

do to the other!!

Steps for Solving….

1. Simplify one or both sides of the equation (if needed).

2. Use inverse operations to isolate the variable. (DO THE OPPOSITE OF ORDER OF OPERATIONS)

To simplify you use:

To solve you do the opposite:

P E SDM A

PES D MA

Solving a Linear Equation

863

1x Write the original

equation.66 Subtract 6 from each side.14

3

1x

Simplify.

143

1

x Multiply each side by

3.42x Simplify.

CHECK

3 x x 3

Combining Like Terms First…

24837 xx Write the original equation.2484 x Combine like terms.

88 Add 8 to each side.

324 x Simplify.

8x Simplify.CHECK

324 xDivide each side by 4. 4 4

Using the Distributive Property…

28)4(35 xx Write the original equation.

281235 xx Distribute the 3.

28128 x Combine like terms.

Subtract from both sides.

2x

Divide both sides.

CHECK

1212

Simplify168 x8 88

Simplify.

Distributing a Negative…

21)2(34 xx Write the original equation.

21634 xx Distribute the 3 and the negative.

216 x Combine like terms.

Subtract from both sides.

5xCHECK

66

Simplify

Multiplying by a Reciprocal First…

)3(5

666 x

Practice…

573

13

27

20132

1572

xx

x

x

x

6)2(12

18)2(3

947

x

x

xx