1. Multi-Step Equations
Notes and Practice

2. Essential Question
How do I solve an equation that has more than one variable term?

3. Multi-Step Equations
Equations will not always be able to be solved in one or two steps.
You will see many more complicated equations in higher math.
6 – x – 3 = 4(x – 2) + 4

4. Process Simplify both sides of the equation separately
Add/subtract to get all variable terms to one side of the equation (stay fair and balanced!)
Solve the remaining two-step equation

5. Example
2x – 5(x + 4) = -2 2x – 5x – 20 = -2 -3x – 20 = x = x = -6
Original problem
Distribute -5
Combine like terms
Add 20 to both sides
Divide both sides by -3

6. Subtract 4 from both sides Divide both sides by 4
Example
Original problem
Add x to both sides
Subtract 4 from both sides
Divide both sides by 4
+x +x _ 4x + 4 = _ 4x = x = 5/2

7. Practice (Be sure to check your answer!)
1) 5y – 7 = 3y – ) 4(w + 1) – 2 = 18
3) 7x + 3 – 12 = -x ) 3(x – 2) = 12
5) 2x x = 20 + x ) 9p + 27 – 3p = 72
Compare with a partner!

8. What about that original problem?
6 – x – 3 = 4(x – 2) – x – 3 = 4x – x + 3 = 4x – 4 3 = 5x – 4 7 = 5x 7/5 = x x = 7 5

9. Essential Question
How do I solve an equation that has more than one variable term?