Solve two-step linear equations

Key Notes :

To solve for a variable, use inverse operations to undo the operations in the equation. Be sure to do the same operation to both sides of the equation.

Learn with an example

Solve for w.

12=w/2+8

w =______

Solve.

12 = w/2+8

12 − 8 = w/2+8-8 Subtract 8 from both sides

4 = w/2 Simplify

4 · 2 = w/2 . 2 Multiply both sides by 2

8 = w Simplify

Solve for u.

u/3-2=2

u = ______

Solve.

u/3-2=2

u/3-2+2=2+2 Add 2 to both sides

u/3 = 4 Simplify

 u/3 . 3= 4 · 3 Multiply both sides by 3

u = 12 Simplify

Solve for r.

3r − 2 = 4

r =______

Solve.

3r − 2 = 4

3r − 2 + 2 = 4 + 2 Add 2 to both sides

3r = 6 Simplify

3r/3= 6/3 Divide both sides by 3

r = 2 Simplify

let’s practice!