Question

When solving a multi-step equation, which number do you "undo" first? Choose ONE answer.

A. The number on the opposite side of the equals side from the variable

B. The number furthest from the variable (but on the same side of the equals sign)

C. order doesnt matter - choose which you want to do first

D. the number touching the variable

Answer 1

C. Order doesnt matter - choose which you want to do first

Explanation:

When solving multi step equations, there are different steps that can be followed depending on the nature of the equation. There could be variables on only one side or both sides of the equation and that can affect the order of operations. Thus, there is no standard order.

For example let's consider the equation;

7y + 6 = 2y + 16

Now,we can see there are variables on both sides, so the first step would be either to take the constants to one side first or to take the unknown variables to one side.

Whereas, in another example say;

5x - 3 = 7

The only option here is to take the constant on the left side to the right side.

There are other examples where we may have to carry out a division of all terms as the first step. In some other cases, there may be brackets, we need to get rid of as the first step.

Thus, there is no standard order and as such we choose which order we want to use based on the nature of the equation.