Algebra 1 · Expressions & Equations
Multi-Step Equation
Algebra 1 · Expressions & Equations
Definition
A multi-step equation requires more than one step - distributing, combining like terms, and inverse operations - to solve.
Examples
- 2(x + 3) = 16 -> 2x + 6 = 16 -> x = 5.
- 3(x - 1) + 2 = 11 -> 3x - 1 = 11 -> x = 4.
Key rule
Work backwards: undo distribution and combining, then isolate the variable.
Memory hook
More than one move to make - clear, combine, then isolate.