Expressions, equations & relationships · TEKS 7.10, 7.11A, 7.11B
Two-step equations & inequalities
Solve two-step equations by undoing operations in reverse order. Inequalities work the same way, with one twist.
Key steps
- Undo + or − first, then × or ÷. Do the same thing to both sides.
- Inequality: when you multiply or divide by a NEGATIVE, flip the sign.
- Number line: open circle for < or >, closed circle for ≤ or ≥.
- Check a solution by substituting it back in.
Worked example
Solve −2x + 5 > 13.
- Subtract 5: −2x > 8.
- Divide by −2 and flip: x < −4.
- Answer: x < −4
Watch out: Forgetting to flip the sign after dividing by a negative is the #1 inequality mistake.
Practice
5 questions with new numbers every set. Get 4 of 5 to mark this topic as practiced.