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Two-step equations review

A two-step equation is an algebraic equation that takes you two steps to solve. You've solved the equation when you get the variable by itself, with no numbers in front of it, on one side of the equal sign.

What are two-step equations?

A two-step equation is an algebraic equation you can solve in two steps. Once you've solved it, you've found the value of the variable that makes the equation true.

Example 1

We're given an equation and asked to solve for x:
3x+2=14
We need to manipulate the equation to get x by itself.
3x+2=143x+22=1423x=123x3=123x=4
The solution:
x=4
It's always a good idea to check our solution in the original equation to make sure we didn't make any mistakes:
3x+2=1434+2=?1412+2=?1414=14    Yes!
Want to learn more about two-step equations? Check out this video.

Example 2

We're asked to solve this equation for a:
8=a3+6
We need to manipulate the equation to get a by itself.
8=a3+686=a3+662=a323=a336=a
The solution:
a=6
Let's check our work (better safe than sorry!):
8=a3+68=?63+68=?2+68=8    Yes!
Want to see another example like this? Check out this video.

Practice

Problem 1
Solve for c.
43=8c5
c=
  • Your answer should be
  • an integer, like 6
  • a simplified proper fraction, like 3/5
  • a simplified improper fraction, like 7/4
  • a mixed number, like 1 3/4
  • an exact decimal, like 0.75
  • a multiple of pi, like 12 pi or 2/3 pi

Want more practice? Check out this exercise. Or try this word problem exercise.

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