Solving Two-Step Equations
A **two-step equation** requires two operations to solve for the unknown variable. The key is to follow a specific order to isolate the variable.
The rule of thumb is to **undo addition/subtraction first**, then **undo multiplication/division**. This is the reverse of the order of operations (PEMDAS)! $$2x + 5 = 17$$ **Step 1:** Undo the addition. Subtract 5 from both sides. $$2x + 5 - 5 = 17 - 5$$ $$2x = 12$$ **Step 2:** Undo the multiplication. Divide both sides by 2. $$\frac{2x}{2} = \frac{12}{2}$$ $$x = 6$$
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Video: The Reverse PEMDAS Strategy ⏪
Watch this video to see why we use the reverse order of operations to solve equations.
Practice Problems
Solve each equation for the variable and enter your answer.
1) $$3x + 4 = 19$$
2) $$5y - 7 = 18$$
3) $$\frac{m}{2} + 3 = 10$$
4) $$\frac{p}{4} - 1 = 6$$
⚡ Equation Speed Quiz
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