Solving Multi-Step Equations

1. Simplify the Left Side

· Get rid of parentheses –(distribute)

· Add like terms

2. Simplify the Right Side

· Get rid of parentheses –(distribute)

· Add like terms

3. Move the variables to one side and the constants (numbers) to the other side

· Use the inverse operation (+ or -)

4. Solve for the variable with the inverse operation of the coefficient (x or ÷)

5. Check your answers (Substitute the answer in for the variable and make sure it works)