A two-step equation represents a relationship in which a variable is multiplied or divided and then increased or decreased, such as or ; solving means applying inverse operations in reverse order while preserving equality, then checking that the solution satisfies the original equation. The focus is on one-variable equations with rational numbers and straightforward linear structure, not variables on both sides, equations requiring several operations, or nonlinear equations.
To solve a two-step equation, undo the operations in reverse order while keeping both sides equal.
Example:
Undo the addition of 5 by subtracting 5 from both sides:
Undo the multiplication by 3 by dividing both sides by 3:
Check your answer by replacing with in the original equation:
The equation is true, so the solution is:
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