Solving Multi-Step Equations
Using the Distributive Property to Solve Equations
In the equation – 2(b – 4) = 12, the parentheses indicate multiplication. Use the Distributive Property to multiply each term within the parentheses by – 2. Then use the properties of equality to solve the equation.
Solving an Equation With Grouping Symbols
You can solve an equation like 
+ 
= 7 by adding the fractions or by clearing the equation of fractions. To clear fractions, you multiply each side of the equation by a common multiple of the denominators.
Reading Math
and 
x each represent x 
2. and 
x each represent 2x 3.
Solving an Equation That Contains Fractions
You can clear an equation of decimals by multiplying by a power of 10. In the equation 0.5a + 8.75 = 13.25, the greatest number of digits to the right of a decimal point is 2. To clear the equation of decimals, multiply each side of the equation by 102, or 100.
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Powers of 10:
101 = 10
102 = 100
103 = 1000
104 = 10,000
Solving an Equation That Contains Decimals
Keep the steps in the summary below in mind as you solve equations that have variables on one side of the equation.
Key Concepts
Summary Steps for Solving a Multi-Step Equation
Step 1 Clear the equation of fractions and decimals.
Step 2 Use the Distributive Property to remove parentheses on each side.
Step 3 Combine like terms on each side.
Step 4 Undo addition or subtraction.
Step 5 Undo multiplication or division.
Exercises Click here to view the Exercises for this lesson.
