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Algebra & Expressions

Multi-Step Equations

Multi-step equations may require combining like terms, using the distributive property, and moving variables to one side before solving.

Take it one step at a time — every big equation is just a series of small moves!

Watch & Learn

Watch a clear, friendly video explanation of Multi-Step Equations:

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Worked Examples

Follow along with these step-by-step examples. Take your time — there's no rush!

1Example 1

Problem

Solve: 3x + 4 = x + 12

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Move variables to one side: subtract x from both sides: 2x + 4 = 12

2

Subtract 4 from both sides: 2x = 8

3

Divide by 2: x = 4

Answer

x = 4

2Example 2

Problem

Solve: 2(x + 3) = 14

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Distribute: 2x + 6 = 14

2

Subtract 6: 2x = 8

3

Divide by 2: x = 4

Answer

x = 4

3Example 3

Problem

Solve: 5x − 2 = 3x + 8

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Subtract 3x from both sides: 2x − 2 = 8

2

Add 2 to both sides: 2x = 10

3

Divide by 2: x = 5

Answer

x = 5

4Example 4

Problem

Solve: 4(x − 1) = 2x + 6

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Distribute: 4x − 4 = 2x + 6

2

Subtract 2x: 2x − 4 = 6

3

Add 4: 2x = 10

4

Divide by 2: x = 5

Answer

x = 5

5Example 5

Problem

Solve: 3x + 2x − 7 = 18

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Combine like terms on the left: 5x − 7 = 18

2

Add 7 to both sides: 5x = 25

3

Divide by 5: x = 5

Answer

x = 5

Your Turn — Practice Problems

Try all 5 problems on your own first. Write out your work — that's how it sticks!

💡 Tip: Don't peek at the answers until you've genuinely tried each one.

1

Solve: 4x + 2 = 2x + 10

2

Solve: 3(x − 2) = 9

3

Solve: 7x − 5 = 4x + 10

4

Solve: 2(3x + 1) = 20

5

Solve: 6x + 4 = 2x − 8

6

Solve: 5(x + 1) = 3x + 11

7

Solve: 8x − 3 = 5x + 9

8

Solve: 2x + 4x − 5 = 13

9

Solve: 4(x + 3) = 28

10

Solve: 9x − 2x + 1 = 22

11

Solve: 3x − 7 = x + 5

12

Solve: 2(x − 4) = x + 1

Finished all 12? Give yourself a pat on the back — then check your work!

Keep going — you're on a roll!

Every topic you master is another step on your journey.

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