This document provides instruction on solving multi-step equations by combining like terms. It begins with examples of combining like terms in algebraic expressions. It then presents the objective of isolating the variable to find its value. Rules for solving equations are provided, including keeping the equation balanced and using inverse operations. Several examples of solving equations by combining like terms are worked through step-by-step. The document concludes by asking how a student who was absent would explain the lesson and provides the assigned homework.

1. AIM: Solving Multi-
Step Equations by
Combining Like
Terms
Do Now
1

2. a.) -3x + 3 + x - 1 - 2
x ­x 1 ­1
2

3. Terms: are numbers, variables, or products of numbers
and variables. Terms in an expression are separated by
addition and subtraction symbols.
(Example: 3x + 5 + x - 7)
Coefficients: A number that is multiplied by a variable.
(Example: 4x, 4 is the coefficient)
Like Terms: terms with the same variable raised to the
same power.
3

4. b.) 3 - 4x - 5 + 2x
­x
­1
­1
­x ­xx
1
­1
1 ­1
­x x
1 ­1
x ­x 1 ­1
4

5. Simplify the following by combining like terms.
c.) -9 + 10x - 15 - 4x - 11x
d.) 5x - 4x - 10 - x + 10
5

6. ALGEBRA
The Search for Unknowns
Objective: Isolate the variable to find its value
RULES
1.) Keep the equation balanced
2.) Use inverse operations
Create a rule that we need to add to be
able to solve an equation like this.
12x - 7 - 3x = 11
6

7. 12x - 7 - 3x = 11
x ­x 1 ­1
7

8. ALGEBRA
The Search for Unknowns
Objective: Isolate the variable to find its value
RULES
1.) Keep the equation balanced
2.) Use inverse operations
-2b + 7 - 3b = 2
8

9. -2b + 7 - 3b = 2
x ­x 1 ­1
9

10. ALGEBRA
The Search for Unknowns
Objective: Isolate the variable to find its value
RULES
1.) Keep the equation balanced
2.) Use inverse operations
10x + 10 - 2x = 15
10

11. ALGEBRA
The Search for Unknowns
Objective: Isolate the variable to find its value
RULES
1.) Keep the equation balanced
2.) Use inverse operations
-15 = -5y + 1 + 3y
11

12. -15 = -5y + 1 + 3y
x ­x 1 ­1
12

13. CHECK
-15 = -5y + 1 + 3y
13

14. ALGEBRA
The Search for Unknowns
Objective: Isolate the variable to find its value
RULES
1.) Keep the equation balanced
2.) Use inverse operations
9 - 9x + 6x - 15 = -45
14

15. 9 - 9x + 6x - 15 = -45
x ­x 1 ­1
15

16. CHECK
9 - 9x + 6x - 15 = -45
16

17. BEFORE YOU LEAVE
AIM: Solving Multi-
How would you explain today's
Step Equations by
lesson to a student who was
Combining Like Terms
absent today?
17

18. Mr. Tjersland's Math 7
Homework: Pages 566-567 #1-3 all, 8, 9, 45
WITH CHECKS
18

19. AIM: Solving Multi-Step Equations by
Combining Like Terms
12x - 7 - 3x = 11
19

20. CHECK
12x - 7 - 3x = 11
20

21. -15 = -5y + 1 + 3y
21