We have already seen how to solve Single Step Equations. These ones seemed almost too simple to use a series of rules or steps to solve. Time to take it to the next level.
A two step equation is one that will require two steps to solve. They generally have a multiplication/division and a subtraction/addition. The following are all two step equations.
$2x+5=11$2x+5=11, $\frac{1}{3}h-3=6$13h−3=6, $19-2j=5$19−2j=5
Let's look at two methods for solving two step equations.
Two step equations can be set up using a backtracking tool.
Start by writing the pronumeral (variable) in a box. Then one step at a time mark in the operations that happen in order (according to Order of Operations). Remember we learnt how to set up equations in backtracking here.
Solve: $-2x+4=8$−2x+4=8
Think: First we need to set up the equation.
× $-2$−2 | $+$+$4$4 | |||
$x$x | $8$8 |
Do: Backtrack one step at a time, reversing each operation.
× $-2$−2 | $+$+$4$4 | |||
$x$x | $4$4 | $8$8 |
× $-2$−2 | $+$+$4$4 | |||
$-2$−2 | $4$4 | $8$8 |
So $x=-2$x=−2.
With all equations we can check our solution. Does $x=-2$x=−2 satisfy the equation $-2x+4=8$−2x+4=8?
This means using the "do the same to both sides" method, to isolate the $x$x. That is, get the $x$x on its own.
It is all about reversing the operations. So, we will need to remove the constant (number) term first. This is done by choosing the reverse operation.
$-2x+4=8$−2x+4=8
$-2x+4$−2x+4 | $=$= | $8$8 | The opposite of addition is subtraction. |
$-2x+4-4$−2x+4−4 | $=$= | $8-4$8−4 | Start by subtracting $4$4 from both sides. |
$-2x$−2x | $=$= | $4$4 | Simplify both sides of the equation |
$\frac{-2x}{-2}$−2x−2 | $=$= | $\frac{4}{-2}$4−2 | Then identify the next operation that needs to be reversed. The opposite of multiplying by $-2$−2 is dividing by $-2$−2. |
$x$x | $=$= | $-2$−2 | Simplify both sides to find $x$x |