What are the steps in solving a two-step equation
2 answers:
Answer:
The key to solving two-step equations is identifying the inverse operations that you need to perform. Thinking of an equivalent expression may help you in this process. Also, be sure to go back and check your solution for accuracy.
Example:
Solve: -18 - x = 22.
Do you know what you would have to do to the equation to solve for x?
Solution:
If we think, "-18 - x" is the same as "-x - 18," we can see that x has been multiplied by -1, and, then, 18 has been subtracted from it. To solve for x, we must undo each of these operations. We add 18, and then divide by -1. Now, let's look at the solution to this equation.
-18 - x = 22 • Original equation.
-18 - x + 18 = 22 + 18 • Add 18 to both sides.
-x = 40 • Complete the addition.
=
• Divide both sides by -1.
x = -40 • Complete the division.
Let's check the solution of -40.
-18 - (-40) = 22 • Substitute the value into the equation in parentheses!
-18 + 40 = 22 • Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive.
22 = 22 • Complete the addition.
<em>hope this helps!</em>
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