Solving two-step equations
Use this page to review two-step equations before entering your own example in the solver tool.
Start here if you want the short version before reading the full method.
- A two-step equation usually asks you to undo an outer addition or subtraction first, then a multiplication or division step.
- The safest final check is to put the answer back into the original equation and confirm both sides still match.
What this topic means and what to look for first.
A two-step equation needs two algebra moves to isolate the variable.
The safest route is to undo addition or subtraction first, then multiplication or division.
One reliable route through the topic.
- 1Identify the operations acting on the variable.
- 2Undo addition or subtraction first.
- 3Undo multiplication or division next.
- 4Check the final answer by substitution.
See the method in action.
2x + 5 = 17
- Subtract 5 from both sides to get 2x = 12.
- Divide both sides by 2.
- So x = 6.
3y - 4 = 11
- Add 4 to both sides to get 3y = 15.
- Divide both sides by 3.
- So y = 5.
Things that commonly send the method off track.
- Dividing before clearing the addition or subtraction term.
- Applying the operation to only one side of the equation.
- Dropping a negative sign when the coefficient or constant changes side.
Use a short verification pass before moving on.
- Substitute the final value into the original equation, not just the cleaned-up line from the middle of your working.
- If the check fails, go back to the line where you first moved a constant or divided by the coefficient.
Try a few variations before switching to a calculator or solver tool.
- 4x + 7 = 23
- 5y - 9 = 16
- z/3 + 6 = 14
- 0.6p + 1.8 = 4.2
Want to try a similar problem yourself?
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Extra algebra revision resources
If you want more printed algebra practice after this page, these broader searches are a sensible next step.
Amazon
Algebra workbook and revision book search
Useful if you want more equation, factorising, and worked-example practice in one printed source.
View Algebra workbook and revision book searchAmazon
GCSE algebra practice resources search
A wider GCSE-style search if you want more mixed algebra questions beyond one online guide.
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Short answers worth checking.
You solve by undoing what was done to the variable, so the operations are reversed.
Substitute the answer back into the original equation and confirm both sides match.
Continue with the next closely related topic.
Use the public site structure first, then switch into the solver tool only if you need a direct test.
CureMath uses artificial intelligence to suggest how a maths problem could potentially be solved. AI can make mistakes.
Check important answers independently before relying on them.