Question

Below are the steps for solving a multi-step equation. Put them in order.

1. Use the distributive property to simplify, if necessary.
2. Check your answer.
3. Move all the variable terms to one side of the equals sign.
4. Move all the constants to the other side of the equals sign.
5. Combine like terms.
6. Solve for the variable using inverse operations. Which step goes first.

Answer 1

The correct order for solving multi-step equations begins with using the distributive property, if necessary, then combining like terms, moving variable terms to one side, constants to the other, solving for the variable, and finally checking the answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Correct Order for Solving Multi-Step Equations

The process of solving multi-step equations involves a systematic approach to isolate the variable and solve for it. Here is the correct order for the steps initially provided:

1. Use the distributive property to simplify, if necessary.
2. Combine like terms on each side of the equation to simplify.
3. Move all the variable terms to one side of the equals sign, often by adding or subtracting the terms from both sides.
4. Move all the constants to the other side of the equals sign.
5. Solve for the variable using inverse operations.
6. Check your answer by substituting it back into the original equation to ensure the left and right sides are equal.

By following these steps, students can systematically approach and solve multi-step equations with confidence.