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Now, let us first consider some goals when 

solving equations...

      Goal #1: Isolate the variable

      Goal #2: Undo operations to isolate the       

variable

       Goal #3: Solve one-step, two-step, and 

multi-step equations 

Keeping our goals in mind, let's solve the 

following problem,

                          x + 5 = 8

Step 1: To get x by itself, we need to get rid of 

the 5.   We need to subtract five from the left 

side to cancel that term, but we also need to 

subtract 5 from the right side to keep our sides 

balanced.   This explains the Subtraction 

Property of Equality. 

                    x + 5 - 5 = 8 - 5

                       Answer: x = 3

Solve,   y - 3 = -1

Step 1: What is the inverse operation of 

subtraction? If you said addition, you are 

correct! Add 3 to both sides to keep the 

problem balanced. 

          y - 3 + 3 = -1 + 3

Answer:   y = 2

Solve.

1.   c - 5 = =10

2.   b + (-3) = 3

3.   x + 8 = -2

4.   x - 5 = 3

I think you are ready to 

add more terms to the 

equations, which will 

cause more steps to be 

done. Don't worry, just 

remember to undo what is 

being done and to get the 

variable by itself!

Solve,   2x + 1 = -3

Step 1: Undo any subtraction or addition first

               2x + 1 - 1 = -3 - 1

                         2x = -4

Step 2: In this case, always undo what is 

being done to the variable last, which would 

be to divide by 2 on both sides

                    Answer:   x = -2 

Turn to your neighbor 

and discuss

what steps need to be 

taken to solve,

-4x - 3 = 1

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