Solving Two-step Equations Algebraically

Ex. 1) 2x + 1 = 7

With algebra tiles Algebraically

2x + 1 = 7 - 1 - 1

x = 3

2x + 1 = 7

X = 3

2x = 62 2

Take away, or subtract, 1 unit from each side

to get the x term alone.

Split both sides, or divide, into 2 groups to get each x alone.

Ex. 2) 3x – 4 = 11

With algebra tiles Algebraically

3x – 4 = 11+ 4 + 4

x = 5

3x = 153 3

Add 4 units to each side to get the x term alone.

Split both sides, or divide, into 3 groups

to get 1x by itself.

3x – 4 = 11

X = 5

Ex. 3) 11 = 4x + 7

With algebra tiles Algebraically

11 = 4x + 7- 7 - 7

1 = x

4 = 4x4 4

Take away, or subtract, 7 units

from each side to get the x term

alone.

Split both sides, or divide, into 4

groups to get each x alone.

11 = 4x + 7

1 = x

Ex. 4) 4x – 4 = 12

With algebra tiles

Algebraically

4x – 4 = 12+ 4 + 4

x = 4

4x = 164 4

Add 4 units to each side to

get the x term alone.

Split both sides, or

divide, into 4 groups.

X = 4

4x – 4 = 12