Intermediate Test Prep Math 8 (Grade 7) Multi-Step Equations

The last type of multi-step equation uses the distributive property.

To review the distributive property:

Take, for example 8(x - 2).

We must multiply the "8" by both of the terms inside of the parentheses.

After the terms are distributed, we now have 8x - 16.

Now let's apply the distributive property to multi-step equations.

3x + 2(x - 4) = 32

We first need to use the distributive property.

3x + 2x - 8 = 32

Now we can combine like terms.

5x - 8 = 32

Now solve:

5x = 40
x = 8

Here is another one:

3x = 2(x - 4)
3x = 2x - 8

(Move the 2x to the other side of the equation.)

3x - 2x = 2x - 2x - 8
x = -8

Let's practice all three types of multi-step equations.

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