A Note on Subtraction

Often times we are faced with a problem like the one below…

This problem appears, at first, to be an easy one-step equation however

there is a catch.

Subtraction is a special operation that does not follow the same properties of
addition and multiplication. For instance you can add to get and
is also , however, – while – .

Because of this fact we must be careful when solving an equation with

subtraction.

It is best to think of this problem as …

 Including the coefficient in front of x helps your brain to see that a

negative one is being multiplied to the variable.
 Remember that the negative sign and the one are one item. They go
together.

Let’s solve this problem together:

3
Solve Verify your answer

1)

2)

3)

4)

4
Solving Multi-Step Equations
Multi-step equations differ from one and two-step equations because they
1
contain parentheses, 2like terms, and/or 3variables on both sides. We are
going to look at each of these cases individually but the end goal is to solve
an equation that has a combination of these steps.

1 Use the distributive property to eliminate parentheses.

When a problem contains grouping symbols such as parenthesis we must
simplify the problem. The distributive property helps to simplify a math
equation by eliminating the parenthesis. Use the distributive property to
multiply the number outside the parentheses by every term inside the
parentheses.

Solve Verify your answer

1)

2)

3)

5
2 Combine like terms on the left and then on the right.
When a problem contains several terms that have the same variable or if the
problem contains more than one constant, we must simplify the problem.
Combining like terms helps to simplify a math equation by grouping the
terms together. Use shapes to help your brain organize the terms before
combining them. Remember to follow the rules of integers.

Solve Verify your answer

1)

2)

3)

4)

6
3 Get the variable to one side of the equation.
When a problem has a variable on the left side and on the right side of the
equal sign, we must use inverse operations to move one of the variable
terms to the other side. If you always move the variable term with the
smallest coefficient your problem will be easier to solve.

Solve Verify your answer

1)

2)

3)

4)

7
Putting it All Together
The equations you will be asked to solve in 9th grade will combine several of
the processes together.

To solve equations that have several operations being performed you must
be careful with the order in which you solve the equation. Use the steps
below to solve all equations.

1 Use the distributive property to eliminate parentheses.

2 Combine like terms on the left and then on the right.
3 Get the variable to one side of the equation.
4 Undo any addition or subtraction.
5 Undo any multiplication or division.

8
Solve Verify your solution

9
Solve Verify your solution

10