Solving linear equations — the two-step method

2x + 3 = 11

Step 1 — Undo the +3 (subtract from both sides)2x = 11 − 3 = 8

Step 2 — Undo the ×2 (divide both sides)x = 8 ÷ 2

Answerx = 4

Your turn — what's x?

Two steps, always in this order: peel off the added number first (+ or −), then deal with the multiply (× or ÷). Whatever you do, do it to both sides.