Describe how to solve two-step equations.
To solve a two-step equation, follow these steps:
1. Simplify each side of the equation as much as possible by using the order of operations (PEMDAS) to remove parentheses, combine like terms, and perform operations in the correct order.
2. Isolate the variable term by undoing the constant operation. If there is a constant term on the same side as the variable term, undo the addition or subtraction first. If there is a coefficient beside the variable term, undo the multiplication or division next.
3. Check your answer by plugging it back into the original equation and verifying that both sides are equal.
Example:
Solve for x: 3x - 7 = 14
1. Add 7 to each side: 3x = 21
2. Divide each side by 3: x = 7
3. Check: 3(7) - 7 = 14. Both sides are equal so the solution is correct.
Another example:
Solve for y: 5y + 8 = 23
1. Subtract 8 from each side: 5y = 15
2. Divide each side by 5: y = 3
3. Check: 5(3) + 8 = 23. Both sides are equal so the solution is correct.