Educator

Techniques for Multi-Step Equations

• A multi-step equation contains more than one operation.

• To solve such an equation, undo the operations in the reverse order in which they were performed in the equation. The last operation performed in the equation is the first one to be removed, using the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division properties of equality.

• In most equations, the last operation performed is an addition or subtraction. Therefore, begin by using these properties of equality. Then use the multiplication or division property of equality to isolate the variable.

• Understand how to solve word problems involving consecutive numbers. Consecutive unknown numbers are called x and x + 1. Consecutive unknown even or odd numbers are called x and x + 2.