Homework 5-1A– Solving Two - Step Equations
Name
Date
Period
Score
Process:
1st: Simplify each side of the equal sign using the order of operations.
2nd: Perform inverse operations to combine like terms on opposite sides of the
equation.
3rd: Isolate the variable.
4th: Check your solution set.
Note: To move an entire term, use addition or subtraction.
To move part of a term, use multiplication or division.
 Use the steps to rewrite the equation in the space provided. Show clear steps.
Use these steps to solve the equation.
*Notice, we cannot simplify either side of =.
Solve:
1st: The inverse of subtraction is addition.
*Add 7 to both sides of the equal sign.
(Add)
3x – 7 = 8
Rewrite:
2nd: The inverse of multiplication is division.
*Divide both terms by 3.
 When the variable is isolated (by itself), then
the equation has been solved.
(Divide)
Rewrite:
Answer:
Check: Substitute your solution into the original
equation to check the solution.
1st:
Original Equation:
3x – 7 = 8
Substitute
2nd:
Simplify the left side of the equation.
Multiply by 3
Subtract 7
Your check is complete when both sides are equal.
© 2007-08 by S – Squared, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LESSON
5-1A Solving Two-Step Equations (continued)
To isolate the variable, work backward using inverse operations.
The variable is multiplied by 2 and
then 3 is added.
The variable is divided by 2 and
then 3 is subtracted.
x
3 11
2
2x 3 11 To undo addition,
3
3 subtract 3.
2x
8
2x
2
8
2 divide by 2.
To undo subtraction,
3 3
To undo multiplication,
x
2
x
2 • 2
x 4
add 3.
14
To undo division,
2 • 14 multiply by 2.
x 28
Check: Substitute 4 for x.
Check: Substitute 28 for x.
2(4) 3 11
28
3 11
2
8 3 11
14 3 11
11 11 11 11 Complete to solve and check each equation.
Check: 3t 7 19
6. 3t 7 19
To undo addition, subtract.
3t
t
To undo multiplication, divide.
w
7. 3 7 5
To undo subtraction, add.
3(
) 7 19
Substitute for t.
7 19
w
Check: 3 7 5
7 5 Substitute.
3
w
• 3 •
75
To undo division, multiply.
w
8.
z
3 2
z
• 2
To undo subtraction, add.
8
z
8
Check: 2 3
3 8 Substitute.
2
•
To undo division, multiply.
38
z Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
All rights reserved.
12
Holt Middle School Math