linno

Learning Target

Solve two step equations.

Example

4a + 12 = 32

1. Do the inverse of +12.

4a + 12 =32

-12

2. Then, balance it on the other side (33).

4a + 12 =32

-12        -12

            = 20

3. Bring down the a4, so that a4=21

4a + 12 = 32

-12        -12

4a         = 20

4 . Do the inverese of 4a: a4 divided by 4, and balance it.

4a =20                                                                                                                                                  

4     4 

     =5

5. Dividing 4a by 4 just leaves you with a, so a = 5. Then check it by replacing a with 5 just to make sure.

4 x 5 + 12 = 33

Remember:

The steps for solving any equation are inverse, balance, solve, check, but with two step equations, you have to do these steps twice.

When multiplying with a variable, the number always comes before the variable (4a, not a4).

The goal is to get the variable by itself.

Balance is the key to solving any problem.