Which move comes first?
Isla solved 3x + 4 = 19 by writing 3x = 23, giving x = 23/3. She never removed the +4 before dividing.
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1 lesson for “Two-step equations”
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What is the opposite of adding 7?
Owen solved x + 7 = 12 by computing 12 + 7 = 19. He added again instead of undoing the addition.
Try this lessonHow does y = 2x + 1 help you solve x + y = 10?
Two equations with two unknowns feel harder than one. Substitution turns the pair into a single equation with one letter.
Try this lessonWhere did the negative sign go?
A negative sign belongs to the number next to it. Keeping that number together can prevent an almost-correct equation from turning into the wrong answer.
Try this lessonWhy multiply everything inside the brackets?
If you multiplied the x but left the other number alone, you have found a useful place to pause. The outside number counts copies of the whole group.
Try this lessonHow does subtracting the equations remove a variable?
When both equations share a term like 2y, that term becomes your exit: subtract the equations and it disappears.
Try this lessonIs it rise over run or run over rise?
Kai found the slope through (2, 3) and (6, 11) and wrote 1/2. He divided the run by the rise.
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