Multi step equation that equals to 12

Answer 1

Hi Alondra....hope you are having a great weekend.

Terrific Algebra problems...here is an idea on addressing your question....

Now...I'm going to help you understand the concept but won't be giving you the answer...that is too easy...then it will be my answer not yours. I think that is what you teacher wants.

So here goes...first of all...a 'multii-step equation is just that...and math operation/equations that takes more than one step to solve or find the answer.

1 + n = 7

For this kind of problem....using Algebra...to problem solve the equation we:

Step 1: Re-write the equation: 1 + n = 7

Step 2: Using Algebra we work to put all the 'knowns' [the values we know] and the 'unknowns

one either side of the equation. Like this:

1 + n = 7

- 1 - 1

Which leaves us with: 0 6

Next: We now have this n = 6 Now we have the unknown: 'n' on one side of the

equal sign and the 'known': 6 on the other side of

the equal sign.

Then: To check to see if this is the correct answer, substitute the value we arrived for 'n' into our original equation. Like this:

1 + n = 7

1 + (6) = 7

If this works out, then this would be the answer to this single-step equation.

So...NOW...a multi-step equation means there are more than two steps in solving an equation. Here is an example: 3z - 3 = 24

So here we go....in solving a 'multi-step' equation:

Step 1: Re-write the equation: Key to note here...the FIRST STEP is to RE-WRITE the equation

3z - 3 = 24

Step 2: Begin to move the values we know to one side of the equation and those we don't know to the other side of the equation. Like we did before. Some how we have to move the 3's and the 24 on one side of the equation and the 'z' to the other side of the equation. Like this:

3z - 3 = 24

+ 3 + 3

Which give us: 0 27 CORRECT?? Make sure you understand!

This then gives us: 3z = 27

Step 3: Now we continue to move the 'knowns' and the 'unknowns': Like this

3z = 27

3 3 We divide each side by 3 because 3 is a known

value and we need to move it to the known side

and keep the 'unknown' z by itself.

Now we have this: 3z = 27

3 3 Because 3 ÷ 3 = 1 and 1 × 3 = 3

Step 4: We re-write the equation: z = 9

Step 5: We check to see if the answer we calculated is correct. If it is, then this is the right answer.

This is why we ALWAYS check...say you did you calculations and you came up with an answer of 9...perhaps you were not paying attention. I am sure you know you to multiply and divide, but say you were distracted...thinking about your BFF/favorite song/what you wanted to get for the holidays/watching TV and you wrote down 9. We check like this:

Say we said z = 8 So here goes:

3z - 3 = 24

3(8) - 3 = 24 Let's continue doing the math:

24 - 3 = 24 Continue doing the math:

21 = 24 Well...obviously 21 does not equal 24...

so in this example z = 8 is not the correct answer.

This is why we check.

So now...I have given you some examples. Now it is your turn to use these same principles...once you gain this skill you can be a 'pro'....remember the FIRST STEP IS ALWAYS RE-WRITE THE EQUATION and the LAST STEP IS TO CHECK YOUR ANSWER. I always give extra credit to my students when they show me on their papers they have checked their answer.

So your multi-step equations will look something like this:

(some numbers plus, subtract, multiply divide other numbers in some pattern) = 12

Let me know if I can help. I would certainly be glad to assist.

Have a great weekend and a terrific holiday

JG