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Two-Step Equations

≈ 25 min
0/3 practice checks

A two-step equation wraps the variable in two operations. Undo them in reverse order — additions/subtractions first, then multiplications/divisions.

Worked example. Solve 2x+3=112x + 3 = 11.

2x+3=112x + 3 = 11
2x=8(subtract 3 from both sides)2x = 8 \qquad \text{(subtract 3 from both sides)}
x=4(divide both sides by 2)x = 4 \qquad \text{(divide both sides by 2)}

Check: 2(4)+3=112(4) + 3 = 11 ✓

Why reverse order? Building the expression, xx was first doubled, then increased by 3. Unwrapping happens like taking off shoes and socks — last on, first off.

Solve for xx: 2x+3=112x + 3 = 11

Solve for xx: 3x−4=173x - 4 = 17

Solve and answer in the form x=…: x2+1=5\dfrac{x}{2} + 1 = 5