Question

How dose one solve two step equations.

Answer 1

You have to isolate the variable

Answer 2

i.e.

5x - 4 = 21 (i made this up)

So we need to leave x alone

Answer 3

To do this, we need to cancel out everything on one side and move it to the other side to find the value of x

Answer 4

5x - 4 = 21

Let's get rid of -4 first. The opposite of -4 is +4 so we must add 4 on both sides of the equation.

5x - 4 + 4 = 21 + 4
5x = 25

Answer 5

So for example If i had 11-3f+8=r how would i approach the problem.

Answer 6

Now we cancel out the 5

The opposite of multiplying 5 is DIVIDING it.

5x/5 = 25/5

x = 5

Answer 7

Ok well that one is three steps actually

Answer 8

not r but but 4

Answer 9

First look at 11 and 8. These are like terms so just combine them.

11 + 8 = 19

Answer 10

Now we have 19 - 3f = 4

Answer 11

WE get rid of anything without a variable first, so what is the opposite of adding 19?

Answer 12

I say adding because even tho it is at the beginning of the equation, it is positive.

Answer 13

How would i solve for x thought?i believe it is subtracting 19 from 3 right?

Answer 14

We can't do that because 3 is attached to a variable.

you cant to

19 - 3f

because we dont know what f is. if 19 had the same variable we could

i.e. 8f - 3f = 5f

but we cant, so we need to bring 19 to the other side of the equation

Answer 15

WE have to cancel it out. So the *opposite* of +19 is what?

Answer 16

-19

Answer 17

Yep. So we subtract 19 on BOTH sides of the equation. We do it on both sides to make it equal.

19 - 19 - 3f = 4 - 19

what do we have now after subtracting?

Answer 18

Add our left over variables.

Answer 19

What do we get when subtracting 19 on both sides?

Answer 20

0

Answer 21

Noooo we have:

-3f = -15

19 - 19 just cancels out and we had to subtract 4 - 19

Answer 22

WE make 3 negative because that was the sign that was in front of it

Answer 23

no wrong thing.

Answer 24

Now what do you think we do to remove -3 from the f?

Answer 25

what

Answer 26

so -3 * f = 4-19

Answer 27

Yes, but 4 - 19 can just be simplified to -15

-3 * f = -15

Answer 28

I get it now thanks!!!

Answer 29

Yeah, just remember to divide -3 on both sides to cancel out and isolate x.