This document provides instructions for solving two-step equations. It explains that two-step equations require breaking the problem into two steps - the first step involves adding or subtracting, while the second step involves multiplying or dividing. Several examples are worked through step-by-step to demonstrate the process of isolating the variable by first undoing addition/subtraction and then undoing multiplication/division. Students are provided practice problems and instructed to show their work.

1. Solving 2-Step Variable Equations
Solving Two-Step
Equations
Math 1

2. What??? I just learned 1-step!
Relax.
You’ll use what you already know to
solve 2-step equations. 

3. So, what’s first?
You need to
break the
equation into
two steps.

4. STEP 1
The first step will be either adding or subtracting.

5. STEP 2
The second step will be either multiplying or dividing.

6. Let’s try a problem.
8x + 5 = 61
This
problem has
addition, so
we need to
subtract
first.
- 5 - 5
Whatever
we do on
one side,
we have to
do on the
other.
8x 56=

7. Now, Step 2.
8x = 56This problem
has
multiplication,
so we need to
divide now.
Whatever we
do on one
side, we have
to do on the
other.8 8
x = 7

8. Let’s try another problem.
3a - 8 = 4
This
problem has
subtraction,
so we need
to add first.
+ 8 + 8
Whatever
we do on
one side,
we have to
do on the
other.
3a 12=

9. Now, Step 2.
3a = 12This problem
has
multiplication,
so we need to
divide now.
Whatever we
do on one
side, we have
to do on the
other.3 3
a = 4

10. Okay, let’s practice!
Problem 1
-12 = -3x + 6

11. Answer
6 = x

12. Problem 2
-4x + 20 = 68

13. Answer
X = -12

14. More Practice Problems
 The goal is to get the variable by itself.
Leave the variable where it is, and move everything away from it.
 Follow your steps for solving an equation.
1) Undo addition/subtraction with subtraction/addition
2) Undo multiplication/division with division/multiplication
 Write your steps neatly.
 Check to make sure your answer makes sense.
Plug your answer back in for the variable in the original problem.
Simplify, and make sure you get a true statement.

15. Now it’s your turn!
Copy these problems onto your paper.
Break each problem into 2 parts to solve.
Show all of your work!
7f + 5 = 40
5q – 7 = 13
12t – 6 = 90
4y + 8 = -12

16. Just for fun!
• Above image from http://www.transum.org/Software/SW/Starter_of_the_day/starter_December23.ASP
• All other images are from Microsoft Clipart.