Tidy, Then Solve
Part of the Fundamentals section of Coddy's Algebra journey. Lesson 27 of 64.
A longer equation is solved with the same steps, with some simplifying first. To solve 2(x + 1) + 3x = 17, distribute first, then collect the like terms, then undo.
2x + 2 + 3x = 17
5x + 2 = 17
5x = 15
x = 3
After the first two lines, the equation is an ordinary two-step equation.
Distribute over the brackets, collect the like terms, and then isolate the unknown. In a long equation, simplify one part at a time before you decide which inverse operation to use.
Challenge
MediumSolve 2(x + 3) + 4x = 30 for x.
Try it yourself
Solve for x
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Fundamentals
1What an Equation Is
The EquationFinding the UnknownThe Same to Both SidesSolved Means AloneRecap: First Equations4Two-Step Equations
Two Layers to UndoSubtract, Then DivideAdd, Then DivideA Division InsideNegatives in Two StepsRecap: Two-Step Equations2One-Step Equations
Undoing AdditionUndoing SubtractionUndoing MultiplicationUndoing DivisionInverse OperationsRecap: One-Step Equations5Tidying First
Like TermsTerms and Numbers MixedThe Distributive PropertyDistributing a SubtractionTidy, Then SolveRecap: Tidying First