Explanation:
An example of a two-step equation is:
2x + 3 = 13
Typically, in a two-step equation, there is a number multiplying a variable, and an additional number being added to or subtracted from the variable part.
In the example above, the variable x is being multiplied by 2.
Then, 3 is being added to the variable part, 2x.
Solving:
First undo the number being added or subtracted to the variable part by using the opposite operation.
In the example above,
2x + 3 = 13,
3 is being added to 2x, so use the opposite operation to addition which is subtraction.
Subtract 3 from both sides.
2x + 3 - 3 = 13 - 3
2x = 10
Now that you only have the product of a number and the variable, undo the operation, by applying the opposite operation. The variable x is being multiplied by 2, so do the opposite operation, which is divide both sides by 2.
2x/2 = 10/2
x = 5
The solution is x = 5.
Now we check:
2x + 3 = 5
Try x = 5.
2(5) + 3 = 13
10 + 3 = 13
13 = 13
Since 13 = 13 is a true statement, the solution x = 5 is correct.