Skill: Solve two-step linear equations

Explanation and Free Practice Resources

Understanding centers on equations in one variable of the form $ax+b=c$ or $x/a+b=c$ , where numerical coefficients and constants may include integers, decimals, or simple fractions. The learner reasons that inverse operations, applied in reverse order to both sides, preserve equality and isolate the variable, and verifies solutions by substitution; this establishes foundations for formulas, functions, and modeling. Equations with variables on both sides, parentheses requiring multiple distributive steps, or more abstract cases are outside this scope.

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Detailed Explanation: Solve two-step linear equations

To solve a two-step linear equation, undo the operations in the reverse order of how they were applied to the variable. Whatever you do to one side, do to the other side to keep the equation balanced.

Solve:

3x+5=20

Undo the addition of $5$ . Subtract $5$ from both sides:

3x+5-5=20-5

3x=15

Undo the multiplication by $3$ . Divide both sides by $3$ :

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

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 Division - Solve

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