1. Objective The student will be able to:
solve two-step equations.

2. To solve two-step equations, undo the operations by working backwards.
Recall the order of operations as you answer these questions.
Dividing by 2
Subtracting 3
Example:
Ask yourself,
What is the first thing we are doing to x?
What is the second thing?
To undo these steps, do the opposite operations in opposite order.

3. 1) Solve 2x - 1 = -3 + 1 + 1 2x = -2 2 2 x = -1 2(-1) - 1 = -3
2x = -2
x = -1
2(-1) - 1 = -3
-2 – 1 = -3
Draw “the river”
Add 1 to both sides
Simplify
Divide both sides by 2
Check your answer

4. 2) Solve + 4 + 4 3 · · 3 x = 36 12 – 4 = 8 Draw “the river”
3 · · 3
x = 36
12 – 4 = 8
Draw “the river”
Add 4 to both sides
Simplify
Clear the fraction -Multiply both sides by 3
Check your answer

5. 3) Solve 3y – 1 = 8
y = 3
y = -3
y =
Answer Now

6. 3) Solve d = 10 d – 4 = 6 + 4 + 4 Draw “the river”
Clear the fraction - Multiply both sides by 2
Simplify
Add 4 to both sides
Check your answer
d – 4 = 6
d = 10

7. 4) Solve
d = -7
d = -19
d = -17
d = 17
Answer Now

8. 5) Solve -3 -3 a = 35 Draw “the river” Subtract 3 from both sides
Do/Undo Chart – This one is tricky! Remember to always use the sign in front of the number.
a = 35
Draw “the river”
Subtract 3 from both sides
Simplify
Clear the fraction – Multiply both sides by -7
Check your answer

9. 6) Solve 5z + 16 = 51
z = -35
z = -7
z = 35
z = 7
Answer Now

10. 7) Solve - 1 - 1 5 · · 5 3x = 15 3 3 x = 5 Draw “the river”
5 · · 5
3x = 15
x = 5
Draw “the river”
Subtract 1 from both sides
Simplify
Clear the fraction -Multiply both sides by 5
Divide both sides by 3
Check your answer