MOSTMATHSkill 09 · 8.EE.C.7

Multi-step equations

Longer equations are the same game with more moves. Simplify each side first: distribute and combine like terms. Then collect the variable terms on one side and the numbers on the other, and finish with one division.

Example · Solve for m.

6m−1=7m−86m - 1 = 7m - 8
Steps
  1. Get the m terms on one side. Subtract 7m from both sides.−m−1=−8\displaystyle -m - 1 = -8
  2. Add 1 on both sides.−m=−7\displaystyle -m = -7
  3. Divide by -1.m=7\displaystyle m = 7
  4. Check both sides with the answer.6⋅7−1=41,7⋅7−8=41\displaystyle 6 \cdot 7 - 1 = 41, \quad 7 \cdot 7 - 8 = 41

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