SOLVING 2 Step Equations - Step By Step Guide
GOAL:
o Solve for x
o To get the variables (letters) alone on one side of the
equation and the constants (numbers) on the other side
of the equation
Notes:
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You Already Know… If you see…
A number in front of a variable - means times (multiply)
the variable times that number
No number in front of a variable - means 1
A fraction- means division
IN EQUATIONS, what you do to one side of the
equation, you must do to the other side
Starting Point: Always start on the side that has both the
variables (letters) and constants (numbers)
-3y + 5 = 26
STEP 1:
UNDO Constants (numbers alone)
Additive Inverse: Do the opposite operation that you see
-3y + 5 = 26
-5 -5
-3y = 21
3y
STEP 2:
UNDO Coefficients (numbers in front of variables)
Multiplicative Inverse: Do the opposite operation that you see
-3y = 21 (3y means 3 . y)
-3y = 21
y= 7
3
3
Step 3:
Label the Units
Be sure that your answer has a unit (word that labels the
number) & that you answered the question in the word
problem
y= 7 pigs