Solving Multi-Step Equations

a

First, we add

3

to both sides. That leaves us with

8 x

alone on the left-hand side. From here, we'll divide by

8

to isolate for

x .

8 x - 3 = 21

LHS + 3 = RHS + 3

8 x = 24

LHS / 8 = RHS / 8

x = 3

b

Solve for

x

by adding

7

to both sides and then divide by

4 .

- 7 + 4 x = 29

LHS + 7 = RHS + 7

4 x = 36

LHS / 4 = RHS / 4

x = 9

c

Subtract

9

in order to get the

y

-term by itself on the right-hand side of the equation.

- 36 = - 5 y + 9

LHS - 9 = RHS - 9

- 45 = - 5 y

LHS / (- 5) = RHS / (- 5)

9 = y

RearrangeEqnRearrange equation

y = 9

Solving Multi-Step Equations 1.3 - Solution