Solving Two-Step Equations Flashcards

Grade 7 · Math · Flashcards

Key vocabulary and strategies for solving two-step equations.

Flashcards

Two-step equation: An equation that requires two inverse operations to isolate the variable
Inverse operations: Operations that undo each other; addition and subtraction are inverses, multiplication and division are inverses
Isolate the variable: Get the variable by itself on one side of the equation
Balance principle: Whatever operation you apply to one side of an equation must also be applied to the other side
Order of undoing: In a two-step equation, undo addition or subtraction first, then undo multiplication or division
Checking the solution: Substitute your answer back into the original equation to verify both sides are equal
Variable: A letter that represents an unknown number in an equation, like x or n
Coefficient: The number multiplied by the variable; in 5x, the coefficient is 5
Constant: A fixed number in an equation with no variable attached