Stop Getting Stuck on Multi-Step Equations

Ever stare at an equation and feel like it’s a brick wall? You move things around, try to simplify, but somehow the numbers never line up. The problem isn’t you. Multi-step equations with variables on both sides can look scary, but the truth is they’re just a series of small moves stacked together. Once you learn the rhythm, they get a whole lot easier.

What’s Really Happening

When you solve these equations, you’re basically trying to get all the x’s on one side and all the numbers on the other. Think of it like organizing a messy room. You want clothes in one pile, books in another. Same thing with equations.

Example:

3x + 4 = 2x + 10

Step 1: Get the variables on the same side

Pick one side to gather all the x’s. It doesn’t matter which, but most people like to keep the bigger one.

Subtract 2x from both sides:

3x – 2x + 4 = 2x – 2x + 10
x + 4 = 10

Step 2: Move the numbers to the other side

Now get the constants together. Subtract 4 from both sides:

x + 4 – 4 = 10 – 4
x = 6

Step 3: Double-check your answer

Plug it back in:

3(6) + 4 = 18 + 4 = 22
2(6) + 10 = 12 + 10 = 22

Both sides match, so you know it’s right.

A Few Quick Tips

• Always do the same thing to both sides. That’s the golden rule.

• Keep it clean. Write every step down so you don’t lose track.

• Don’t rush. Tiny mistakes with signs (+/–) are the most common slip-ups.

Bottom Line

Multi-step equations look harder than they are. The trick is to stay organized: move the x’s to one side, the numbers to the other, and then simplify. With practice, you’ll see they’re just puzzles waiting to be solved. If you need more help contact me at markus@revampfinances.com or 317-983-3980