1. Lesson 1.2
Essential Question: How do I solve an equation with more than one step?
Objective: To use two or more transformations (steps) to solve an equation
Keys to successfully solving multi-step equations.
1. Simplify one or both sides of the equation when possible.
a. Combine like terms
b. Use distributive property.
2. Use inverse operations to isolate the variable.
a. Add, Subtract, Multiply or Divide
b. Multiply by a reciprocal.
Vocabulary: Reciprocal If is a nonzero number, then its reciprocal is

2. Example: 8x – 3x + 4 = 14 Combine like terms 8x – 3x 5x + 4 = 14
Subtract 4 from each side
– 4 – 4
5x = 10
Divide each side by 5
Simplify each side
x = 2
Check: Insert 2 for x in the original equation
8(2) – 3(2) + 4 = 14
16 – = 14
14 = checks

3. Example: 17 = 2(3x + 1) – x Distribute the 2. 2(3x +1) 17 = 6x + 2 – x
Combine like terms x – x
17 = 5x + 2
Subtract 2 from each side
– – 2
15 = 5x
Divide both sides by 5
Simplify
3 = x
Check: Replace the x with 3
17 = 2(3·3 + 1) – 3
17 = 2(10) – 3
17 = 20 – Checks

4. Example: Multiplying by the reciprocal Subtract 13 from each side
– – 13
Multiply each side by the reciprocal of
which is
Simplify
x = – 12

5. Write a summary of today’s notes
Write a summary of today’s notes. Write a left column question about when to use the reciprocal to solve an equation.