Multi-step equations
Solve equations with brackets on one side, and equations with variables on both sides.
Worked examples
Solving an equation with brackets on one side
Straightforward
Problem
Solve .
1
The equation becomes .
Expand the bracket on the left side.
The equation becomes .
2
Subtract 6 from both sides to isolate the variable term.
3
Divide both sides by 3.
Answer
Solving an equation with variables on both sides
Moderate
Problem
Solve .
1
Subtract from both sides to collect all variable terms on the left.
2
Add 3 to both sides to isolate the variable term.
3
Divide both sides by 3.
Answer
Solving an equation with brackets on both sides
Challenging
Problem
Solve .
1
Expand the bracket on each side.
2
Subtract from both sides to collect variable terms on the right.
3
Add 3 to both sides.
Answer
Practise
Q1·Straightforward
Solve .
Explanation
Expand: . Subtract 6: . Divide by 3: .
Q2·Straightforward
Solve .
Explanation
Expand: . Add 4: . Divide by 4: .
Q3·Straightforward
Solve .
Explanation
Expand: . Subtract 2: . Divide by 6: .
Q4·Straightforward
Solve .
Explanation
Expand: . Subtract 15: . Divide by 5: .
Q5·Moderate
Solve .
Explanation
Subtract : . Add 3: . Divide by 3: .
Q6·Moderate
Solve .
Explanation
Subtract : . Add 5: . Divide by 3: .
Q7·Moderate
Solve .
Explanation
Subtract : . Subtract 7: . Divide by 3: .
Q8·Moderate
Solve .
Explanation
Subtract : . Add 2: . Divide by 3: .
Q9·Challenging
Solve .
Explanation
Expand: . Subtract : . Add 3: .
Q10·Challenging
Solve .
Explanation
Expand: . Subtract : . Subtract 8: . Divide by 2: .
Q11·Challenging
Solve .
Explanation
Expand: . Subtract : . Add 3: .
Q12·Challenging
Solve .
Explanation
Expand: . Subtract : . Add 10: .