Question

Are there more than one way to solve multi step equations?

Answer 1

Yes, there are. Although one way may seem easier to many people.

Solve `2x+8=22`
Method 1 (Subtract 8, then divide by 2)

`2x+8=22`
`2x=22-8`
`2x+14`
`x=14/2 = 7`

Method 2 (Divide by 2 first -- I'll multiply by `1/2`)

`2x+8=22`
`1/2(2x+8)=1/2(22)`

`x+4=11`

Now subtract `4` from both sides:

`x=11-4`
`x=7`

Solve: `3x-5=4`
Method 2
`3x-5=4`
`3x=4+5`
`3x=9`
`x=9/3`
`x=3`

Method 2
`3x-5=4`
`1/3(3x-5)=1/3(4)`

`x-5/3=4/3`

`x=4/3+5/3`

`x=9/3`

`x=3`