How to Solve Two-Step Equations

Two-step equations ask you to undo two operations before the variable is alone.

Quick idea

Undo addition or subtraction first, then undo multiplication or division.

Steps

1. Locate the variable term.
2. Undo addition or subtraction on both sides.
3. Undo multiplication or division on both sides.
4. Check the solution in the original equation.

Worked example

Solve 2x plus 3 equals 11.

Full solution

Step-by-step walkthrough

Step 1

Subtract 3 from both sides to get 2x equals 8.

Step 2

Divide both sides by 2.

Step 3

The answer is x equals 4.

Common mistake

Do not divide everything before removing the added or subtracted number. Reverse the order of operations.

Practice problems

1. Solve 3x + 2 = 14.
2. Solve 5y - 7 = 18.
3. Solve x/4 + 3 = 9.

Answers

1. x = 4
2. y = 5
3. x = 24

Ask Pennpaper to explain it live

If the steps make sense but you still feel stuck, start a Pennpaper lesson and ask the tutor to draw the problem on the whiteboard. Seeing the symbols move step by step is often what makes the concept click.

Related guides

• How to Solve One-Step Equations
• How to Solve Equations With Variables on Both Sides
• How to Turn Word Problems Into Equations