Solving for a Variable

Multi-Step Equations

In multi-step equations, the same techniques used in solving one-step equations will be used. Just like solving one-step equations, the goal is to have the variable with a coefficient of one on one side of the equal sign and a number on the other. Keep in mind that the variable does not always have to be x. Equations can make use of any letter as a variable.

The strategy for getting the variable by itself with a coefficient of 1 involves using opposite operations. Many linear equations require more than one step for their solution.