Mathematics
Grade 9
15 min
Solve two-step linear equations
Solve two-step linear equations
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the two operations in a linear equation involving a variable.
Apply inverse operations in the correct order to isolate a variable.
Solve two-step linear equations involving integers, decimals, and fractions.
Accurately solve equations with negative coefficients and constants.
Verify their solution by substituting it back into the original equation.
Translate a simple word problem into a two-step linear equation and solve it.
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This tutorial will guide you through solving two-step linear equations, a fundamental skill in algebra. Mastering this process is crucial for tackling more adv...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
VariableA symbol, usually a letter (like x or y), that represents an unknown number or a quantity that can change.In the equation 2x + 3 = 11, 'x' is the variable.
CoefficientThe number that is multiplied by a variable.In the term 5y, the coefficient is 5.
ConstantA term in an equation that has a fixed value and does not contain a variable.In the equation 4a - 7 = 13, the numbers -7 and 13 are constants.
EquationA mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, indicated by an equals sign (=).3z - 1 = 20 is an equation.
Inverse OperationsOperations that undo each other. Addition and subtraction are inverse operations; multiplication and division are inverse operations.To undo adding 5, you subtract 5. To undo multiplying by 2, you divid...
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Core Formulas
Addition Property of Equality
If a = b, then a + c = b + c
You can add the same number to both sides of an equation, and the equation will remain balanced. This is used to undo subtraction.
Subtraction Property of Equality
If a = b, then a - c = b - c
You can subtract the same number from both sides of an equation, and the equation will remain balanced. This is used to undo addition.
Multiplication/Division Property of Equality
If a = b and c ≠0, then ac = bc and a/c = b/c
You can multiply or divide both sides of an equation by the same non-zero number, and the equation will remain balanced. This is used to undo division or multiplication.
Solving Order (Reverse Order of Operations)
SADMEP
When solving for a variable, you undo operations in the reverse order...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
Solve for x in the equation (x - 7) / 3 = -5.
A.x = -4
B.x = 22
C.x = -8
D.x = -2
Challenging
In the equation ax + b = c, if 'a' is a negative number, 'b' is a positive number, and 'c' is a negative number, what must be true about the value of x?
A.x must be positive
B.x can be positive or negative
C.x must be negative
D.x must be zero
Challenging
To solve 11 - 3x = 5, Student 1 subtracts 11 from both sides to get -3x = -6, then divides by -3 to get x = 2. Student 2 adds 3x to both sides to get 11 = 5 + 3x, subtracts 5 to get 6 = 3x, then divides by 3 to get x = 2. Which statement is true?
A.Only Student 1 used a correct method.
B.Only Student 2 used a correct method.
C.Both students made errors in their first step.
D.Both students used different, but equally valid, methods.
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