Types of Equations
One-Step, Two-Step, Multiple Step, Variable on Both Sides
One-Step Equations
An equation that you can solve in just one step.
Example: x+5=12
Once you subtract 5 from both sides, you get x=7. So you solved for x in one step.
Two-Step Equations
An equation that takes 2 steps to solve.
Example: 2x-5=11
1st step: Add 5 to both sides.
2nd step divide each side by 2.
x=8.
Multiple Step Equations
These are equations that take more than two steps to solve.
Example: 3x-6x+7=-14
1st step: Combine like terms. -3x+7=-14
2nd step: Subtract 7 from both sides. -3x=-21
3rd step: divide each side by -3. x=7
Equations with Variables on Both Sides
An equation with a variable on both sides of the equals sign.
Example: 2x+8=x-7
1st step: Move the variables to the left side of the equation. To do this, subtract x from both sides. x+8=-7.
2nd step: Subtract 8 from each side. x=-15