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Solving two-step equations: 3 worked examples

Algebra 1 · Updated 2026-09-05

A two-step equation hides the variable behind two operations, usually a multiplication and an addition. Undo them in reverse order: deal with the number being added or subtracted first, then the number multiplying or dividing the variable. Whatever you do to one side, do to the other.

Example 1

Problem. Solve for x: 5x + 9 = 44

To solve for $x$ in the equation $5x + 9 = 44$, follow these steps:

  1. Subtract $9$ from both sides of the equation to isolate the term with $x$:
    $5x + 9 - 9 = 44 - 9$
    $5x = 35$
  2. Divide both sides of the equation by $5$ to solve for $x$:
    $\frac{5x}{5} = \frac{35}{5}$
    $x = 7$

Final answer: 7

Example 2

Problem. Solve for n: n/3 - 4 = 2

To solve for $n$ in the equation $\frac{n}{3} - 4 = 2$, follow these steps:

  1. Add $4$ to both sides of the equation to isolate the term with $n$:
    $\frac{n}{3} - 4 + 4 = 2 + 4$
    $\frac{n}{3} = 6$
  2. Multiply both sides by $3$ to solve for $n$:
    $3 \cdot (\frac{n}{3}) = 3 \cdot 6$
    $n = 18$

Final answer: 18

Example 3

Problem. Solve for y: -2y + 11 = 3

To solve for $y$ in the equation $-2y + 11 = 3$, first subtract $11$ from both sides of the equation to isolate the term containing $y$:
$-2y + 11 - 11 = 3 - 11$
$-2y = -8$

Next, divide both sides of the equation by $-2$ to solve for $y$:
$y = \frac{-8}{-2}$
$y = 4$

Final answer: 4

Where this shows up

IXL Algebra 1 (Solve two-step equations), Delta Math, Khan Academy Algebra basics. The wording changes, the method does not.

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