Skill: Solve two-step equations

Explanation and Free Practice Resources

This understanding involves solving linear equations of forms such as $ax+b=c$ or $x/a+b=c$ , using inverse operations in a logically justified order while preserving equality and interpreting the variable as an unknown quantity. Solutions may involve rational numbers and are checked by substitution; the scope excludes equations requiring multiple additional transformations, variables on both sides, quadratics, and other more advanced algebraic cases.

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Detailed Explanation: Solve two-step equations

A two-step equation has two operations acting on the variable. To solve it, undo those operations in reverse order while doing the same thing to both sides.

Example:

3x+5=20

Step 1: Undo the addition.
Since $5$ is added to $3x$ , subtract $5$ from both sides:

3x+5-5=20-5

Simplify:

3x=15

Step 2: Undo the multiplication.
Since $x$ is multiplied by $3$ , divide both sides by $3$ :

\frac{3x}{3}=\frac{15}{3}

Simplify:

x=5

Check the solution by substituting $5$ for $x$ in the original equation:

3(5)+5=15+5=20

The statement is true, so the solution is:

\boxed{x=5}

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Two-Step Equation - Subtraction and Multiplication - Solve

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