Are there more than one way to solve multi step equations?

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Answer 1 · 2015-03-25T01:52:19

Yes, there are. Although one way may seem easier to many people.

Solve $2x+8=22$
Method 1 (Subtract 8, then divide by 2)

$2x+8=22$
$2x=22-8$
$2x+14$
$x=14/2 = 7$

Method 2 (Divide by 2 first -- I'll multiply by $1/2$ )

$2x+8=22$
$1/2(2x+8)=1/2(22)$

$x+4=11$

Now subtract $4$ from both sides:

$x=11-4$
$x=7$

Solve: $3x-5=4$
Method 2
$3x-5=4$
$3x=4+5$
$3x=9$
$x=9/3$
$x=3$

Method 2
$3x-5=4$
$1/3(3x-5)=1/3(4)$

$x-5/3=4/3$

$x=4/3+5/3$

$x=9/3$

$x=3$