What is a two-step equation?

A two-step equation is an equation that takes two math steps to solve.

Your goal is still the same as before:
👉 Get the variable by itself

The difference is:

• The variable has two things happening to it, not just one

The golden rule (super important)

When solving two-step equations, you always undo things in this order:

1️⃣ Addition or subtraction

2️⃣ Multiplication or division

Think of it like getting dressed:

• Shoes come off before socks

• Addition/subtraction comes off before multiplication/division

Example 1: Addition + Multiplication

Step-by-step:

Step 1: Undo the +4
Subtract 4 from both sides:

Step 2: Undo the 2 × x
Divide both sides by 2:

✅ Answer: x = 3

Example 2: Subtraction + Multiplication

Step-by-step:

Step 1: Undo the −5
Add 5 to both sides:

Step 2: Undo the 3 × x
Divide both sides by 3:

✅ Answer: x = 7

Example 3: Addition + Division

Step-by-step:

Step 1: Undo the +2
Subtract 2 from both sides:

Step 2: Undo ÷4
Multiply both sides by 4:

✅ Answer: x = 32

Example 4: Subtraction + Division

Step-by-step:

Step 1: Undo −7
Add 7 to both sides:

Step 2: Undo ÷5
Multiply both sides by 5:

✅ Answer: x = 40

How to check your answer (don’t skip this!)

Put your answer back into the original equation.

Example:

Check:

If both sides match, you’re correct 🎉

Common beginner tips

• Do one step at a time

• Write every step (this prevents mistakes)

• Always do addition/subtraction first

• Whatever you do to one side, do to the other