Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Solve Multi Step Equations
- 1). Combine like terms that appear on the same side of the equation. For example, in the equation, 8x + 2x - 5 = 4x + 8 - 1, 8x + 2x - 5 becomes 10x - 5. Then, 4x + 8 - 1 becomes 4x + 7. Rewrite the equation as 10x - 5 = 4x + 7.
- 2). Subtract the 'x' variable from both sides to get all of the variable terms on one side of the equation. Continuing the example, you would do this: 10x - 4x - 5 = 4x - 4x + 7. The equation becomes 6x - 5 = 7 after the like terms are combined.
- 3). Add 5 to both sides to further separate the variable: 6x - 5 + 5 = 7 + 5 becomes 6x = 12 after the like terms are combined.
- 4). Divide both sides by 6 to solve the equation: 6x / 6 = 12 / 6 becomes x = 2.
