Solving Multi-Step Linear Equations with Decimals

We need more than two operations to solve a linear equations. Use inverse operations to undo each operation in reverse order.

Steps for solving a Multi-Step Equation:

Step 1 Clear the equation of decimals.

Step 2 Use the Distributive Property to remove parentheses on each side.

Step 3 Combining like terms on each side.

Step 4 Undo addition or subtraction.

Step 5 Undo multiplication or division.

Example :

Solve .

Solution

First, Multiply both sides of the equation by 100 .

Use the distributive law on the left side of the equation.

Undo Subtraction. Add 40 to each side .

Simplify.

Undo multiplication. Divide each side by 25.

Simplify.