Solving Two-Step Equations
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What You'll Learn
- To solve two-step equations
- To use deductive reasoning
… And Why
To solve a problem involving ordering from a catalog, as in Example 2
Solving Two-Step Equations
A two-step equation is an equation that involves two operations. Models can help you understand how to find the solution of a two-step equation.
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The zero pair
represents zero. Equal numbers of yellow and red tiles represent zeros.
Key Concepts
Summary Solving Two-Step Equations
Step 1 Use the Addition or Subtraction Property of Equality to get the term with a variable alone on one side of the equation.
Step 2 Use the Multiplication or Division Property of Equality to write an equivalent equation in which the variable has a coefficient of 1.
Solving a Two-Step Equation
+ 2.
Interactivity Use the Interactivity to solve real-world problems involving two-step equations.
You can write two-step equations to model real-world situations. Some real-world situations require whole-number answers. So check that your answer is reasonable in the given situation.
Real-World 
Connection
RetailingYou are ordering tulip bulbs from a flower catalog. You have $14 to spend. If the shipping cost is $3.00 for any size order, determine the number of bulbs you can order.
In some equations, the variable may have a negative sign in front of it, such as –x = 3. To help you solve these equations, recall that x = 1 
x and –x = –1 x. You can solve for x by multiplying or dividing by –1.
Multiplying by Negative 1
