1. Solving one- and two-step equations

2. Solving One-Step Equations using Additive Inverse
Steps
Equations
Given the equation x + 4 = 9 use the inverse of adding 4 to both sides of the equation to isolate the x. (In other words, subtract 4 from each side to get x by itself.)
Given the equation x – 7 = 5 use the inverse of subtracting 7 to both sides. (In other words, add 7 to both sides)
X + 4 = 9
x = 5
x – 7 = 5
+7 +7
x = 12

3. Solving One-Step Equations using the Multiplicative Inverse
Steps
Equations
Given the equation 3x +4 = 9 use the inverse of multiplying 3 to both sides of the equation to isolate the x. (In other words, divide 3 from each side to get x by itself.)
Given the equation x /7 = 5 use the inverse of dividing by 7 to both sides. (In other words, multipy both sides by 7)
3x = 9
3x/3 = 9/3
x = 3
x /7 = 5
x/7(7) = 5(7)
x = 35

4. Solving Two-Step Equations
Steps
Equations
Given the equation 7x + 5 = 26
use the inverse of adding 5 to both sides of the equation to isolate the x.
Use the inverse of multiplying by 7 on both sides.
7x + 5 = 26
Step 1
7 x = 21
7x/7 = 21/ Step 2
x = 3

5. Solving Two-Step Equations
Steps
Equations
Given the equation x/12- 5 = -1
use the inverse of subtracting 5 to both sides of the equation to isolate the x.
Use the inverse of dividing by 12 on both sides.
x/ = Step 1 x/12 = 4 x/12(12) = 4(12) Step 2 x = 48

6. Checking your solution
Steps
Equation
You can check your solution by substituting the value back into your original equation.
X + 4 = 9
x = 5
Check:
5 + 4 = 9

7. Checking your solution
Steps
Equation
You can check your solution by substituting the value back into your original equation.
7x + 5 = 26
Step 1
7 x = 21
7x/7 = 21/ Step 2
x = 3
Check:
7(3) + 5 = 26