Algebra

How to solve

Two-step equations wrap x in addition/subtraction and then multiplication. Undo the outer layer first (clear the constant term), then undo the coefficient, so each inverse operation peels one layer off both sides.

Steps

  1. Undo addition or subtraction to isolate the ax term.
  2. Divide both sides by the coefficient of x.
  3. Verify by substituting the value back in.

Example

Solve 2x + 7 = 15.

  1. Subtract 7 from both sides: 2x = 8.
  2. Divide by 2: x = 4.

Answer: 4

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