Multi-Step Equations (Sept 13th)

Here are the steps to solving a multi-step equation:

• Distributive Property

• Combine like terms (​on the same side of the equation)

• Use inverse operations ​to put variables and constants on opposite sides of the equations

• Isolate the variable​

Subject | Subject

You will see a term sitting next to parentheses, ready to be multiplied to the terms inside the parentheses. Like these:

• ​4(x - 7) = -9

• -8x + 3 = 2 - 8(x + 4)​

Once you distribute, check to see if you have like terms, on the same side of the equal sign. Here are some examples of like terms:

• 5x and -6x

• -6 and 3 *** Remember that constants (regular numbers) are like terms with each other. ***

• 7m and m ​

​Once you distribute and combine like terms, make sure variables are on one side and constants (regular numbers) are on the other side. Use inverse operations to move terms to the other side.

Here is an example of how to solve a multi-step equation. See if you can follow the steps that are written on the side.​

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