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Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Solve Multi Step Equations

A simple linear equation contains only one variable and numbers. The purpose of the equation is to use algebra to move numbers away from the variable until it is isolated on one side of the equals sign, thus providing a value for the unknown. A one-step linear equation only requires one algebraic action for the solution. For example, 2x = 10 is a one-step equation because dividing both sides by 2 results in x = 5. Equations with multiple steps are easy to solve as long as the proper steps are followed.

Instructions

- 1
  Combine like terms that appear on the same side of the equation. For example, in the equation, 8x + 2x - 5 = 4x + 8 - 1, 8x + 2x - 5 becomes 10x - 5. Then, 4x + 8 - 1 becomes 4x + 7. Rewrite the equation as 10x - 5 = 4x + 7.
- 2
  Subtract the 'x' variable from both sides to get all of the variable terms on one side of the equation. Continuing the example, you would do this: 10x - 4x - 5 = 4x - 4x + 7. The equation becomes 6x - 5 = 7 after the like terms are combined.
- 3
  Add 5 to both sides to further separate the variable: 6x - 5 + 5 = 7 + 5 becomes 6x = 12 after the like terms are combined.
- 4
  Divide both sides by 6 to solve the equation: 6x / 6 = 12 / 6 becomes x = 2.

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