This document provides instructions for solving two-step equations. It explains that two-step equations are solved in two steps: the first step uses addition or subtraction, and the second step uses multiplication or division. Examples are provided of solving equations by subtracting in the first step and dividing in the second step. Readers are prompted to practice solving sample two-step equations on their own.

1. Solving 2-Step Variable Equations
Solving Two-Step
Equations
Intro Math Unit 6~Lesson 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
8x = 56 other.

7. Now, Step 2.
8x = 56 This 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
3a = 12 other.

9. Now, Step 2.
3a = 12 This 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. 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

11. 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.

12. Problem 1
-12 = -3x + 6

13. Answer
6 = x

14. Problem 2
-4x + 20 = 68

15. Answer
X = -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.