2.01 Review: Solving one- and two- step equations
One-step equations
Here we are looking at solving one-step equations, where we only need to do one thing in order to find the answer.
The aim is to find out the unknown value, such as $x$x. To do this, we look at both sides of the equation and apply what we know from addition, subtraction and division to find out the answer.
When we are trying to solve for $x$x, we need to rearrange the equation so that $x$x is on its own.
The most important thing to remember is that we need to keep both sides balanced. That is, what we do to one side, we must do the other.
Practice questions
Question 1
Solve: $-10x=-50$−10x=−50
Question 2
Solve: $\frac{x}{8}=6$x8=6
To double check the answer is correct, take the answer you found for $x$x and insert it back into the original equation. If the two sides equal, you know for sure you have the right answer.
Two-step equations
Finding the unknown value in two-step equations follows the exact same method as for one-step equations. Here, you will need to do two steps in order to find the answer. This will most likely involve a combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.
Just as in one step equations, the aim is to get the unknown value by itself by applying operations to both sides of the equation.
Practice questions
Question 3
Solve the following equation: $-x-7=7$−x−7=7
Question 4
Solve the following equation:
$3\left(5-x\right)=0$3(5−x)=0