Two-step equation solver
Undo the addition or subtraction first, then the multiplication or division.
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What counts as a two-step equation?
A two-step equation takes exactly two inverse operations to solve. The variable has been multiplied (or divided) and then had something added (or subtracted), so you undo those in reverse order.
Think of it like taking off shoes and socks: the last thing done to x is the first thing you undo.
The two steps
- Add or subtract the constant on the variable’s side, doing it to both sides.
- Multiply or divide both sides by the coefficient.
- Check by substituting back in.
Frequently asked questions
Why do you undo addition before multiplication?
Because in 3x + 5, x was multiplied by 3 first and then 5 was added. Undoing works in reverse order, so subtract 5 first, then divide by 3. Dividing first would mean dividing the 5 too, which works but creates fractions.
What if the coefficient is negative?
Divide by the negative number itself. In −2x = 8, divide both sides by −2 to get x = −4.
How is a two-step equation different from a multi-step one?
Multi-step equations need extra moves first, such as expanding brackets, combining like terms or collecting x from both sides, before they reduce to the two-step form.