Solve and Check Two-Step Equations

Begin with Undo Two Operations to Solve Equations so students write the new equation after each step. Use Solve and Check Two-Step Equations before the word problem pages so checking becomes a habit.

Solve 8 two-step equations like 4x + 3 = 27, then check each solution by substituting it back. To check a solution, substitute it for the variable: w = 2 solves 5w + 1 = 11 because 5(2) + 1 = 11. The directions on the page read: Solve each equation and write the solution on the line. Then check it: write the equation with your solution in place of the variable. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 6th Grade algebra, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with two-step equations. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.

Undo the operations in reverse order. For 3x + 5 = 20, subtract 5 from both sides to get 3x = 15, then divide both sides by 3 to get x = 5.

Undo the addition or subtraction first, then multiply both sides by the reciprocal of the fraction. For 2/3x + 4 = 10, subtract 4 to get 2/3x = 6, then multiply by 3/2 to get x = 9.

Put the solution in place of the variable and see if both sides match. x = 6 solves 4x + 3 = 27 because 4(6) + 3 = 27.

Common Core places two-step equations in 7th grade, right after the one-step equations of 6th grade. These pages give 6th graders who solve one-step equations easily the next step, with guided steps on the first page.