Solving Multi-Step Linear Equations
We sometimes need more than two operations to solve a linear equation . Use inverse operations to undo each operation in reverse order.
To solve the equation , we need more than two operations.
By the Identity Property, .
Combine the like terms.
Undo the addition. Subtract from each side.
Simplify.
Undo the multiplication. Divide each side by .
Simplify.
We have solved the equation.
Example:
Solve . Check the solution.
Solution
Use the distributive law on the left side of the equation.
Subtract from each side and simplify.
Undo the addition. Subtract from each side.
Undo the multiplication. Divide each side by .
Simplify.
To check the solution, substitute for in the equation.
Simplify.