➕ Algebra 1 · Equations
Solving Multi-Step Equations flashcards
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All 12 flashcards at a glance
Card 1
What do you do first if an equation has parentheses or scattered like terms?
Tidy each side: distribute, then combine like terms. After that, undo as you would in a two-step equation.
Card 2
Simplify 4(x − 3).
4x − 12. The 4 multiplies both terms inside.
Card 3
Simplify −3(2x − 5).
−6x + 15
Card 4
Simplify 9 − (x + 2).
7 − x. The minus sign flips every sign inside: 9 − x − 2.
Card 5
Are 7x and 7x2 like terms?
No. Like terms need the same variable part: the same variable with the same exponent.
Card 6
Solve 3(x − 1) = 21.
x = 8. Distribute: 3x − 3 = 21. Add 3: 3x = 24. Divide by 3.
Card 7
Solve 5x − 2x + 7 = 25.
x = 6. Combine: 3x + 7 = 25. Subtract 7: 3x = 18. Divide by 3.
Card 8
Solve 44 = 3(x + 5) + 2.
x = 9. Tidy the right side: 3x + 15 + 2 = 3x + 17. Subtract 17: 27 = 3x. Divide by 3.
Card 9
How do you clear the fractions in an equation?
Multiply every term on both sides by a common denominator, such as the least common denominator.
Card 10
Solve x/5 + x/10 = 9.
x = 30. Multiply every term by 10: 2x + x = 90, so 3x = 90.
Card 11
Solve (3/4)x = 12.
x = 16. Multiply both sides by the reciprocal 4/3, since (4/3)(3/4) = 1.
Card 12
How do you check a solution to a multi-step equation?
Substitute it into the original equation (not your tidied version) and work out each side. Both sides must match.