How to Solve Two Step Algebraic Equations

To solve two step algebraic equations with unknown variables you need to find the variable values that make the equations true. The process entails simplifying these equations by using a combination of the mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) or other manipulations to solve for the variable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Solve the two step algebraic equation 2x-4=8 for x.
2. Use the additive inverse property and add 4 to the left hand side of the equation in Step 1. It then becomes 2x-4+4=8.
3. Add 4 to the right hand side of the equation in Step 2 to get 2x-4+4=8+4.
4. Simplify the equation in Step 3 by canceling the -4 and +4 on the left hand side of the equation, then on the right hand side add 4+8. The equation now reduces to 2x=12.
5. Divide each side of the equation in Step 4 by 2 to solve for x, i.e. 2x/2=12/2 to get that x=6.
6. Check the answer by substituting back the value for x into the equation in Step 1. Note that you just perform two operations (addition and division) in Step 3 to Step 5, hence the term two step equation.

Tips & Warnings

• The additive inverse property states that a + (-a) = 0.
• Realize that one of the properties of equations is that you can either add or subtract the same number from each side and the equation's equality remains unchanged.
• Remember to keep track of the signs when adding or subtracting numbers to both sides to the equation.