Download 4 2x-5 ( ) = 2 3x + 8 8x 20 = 6x + 16 8x 6x 20 = 6x 6x + 16 2x 20 = 16

Solving Multi-Step Equations With Brackets
These types of equations have one or more sets of brackets
or parentheses. The number outside the brackets must be
distributed to every term inside the brackets. Another way of
saying it is to multiply every term inside the brackets by the
number outside the brackets. You then proceed to solve the
equation the way you would have done if it was a two-step or
multi-step equation.
(
Example One
)
4 x+7 = !39
4x + 28 = !39
4x + 28 ! 28 = !39 ! 28
4x = !67
4x !67
=
4
4
x = !16.75
1) Multiply the “x and the “7” by 4.
2) Subtract 28 from both sides to get rid of
the of the 28 on the same side as the variable
3) Finally divide both sides by 4 because the
variable “x” is being multiplied by 4. (Division
is the inverse operation of multiplication)
Example Two
(
) (
)
1) Expand the first set of brackets Multiply the “2x” and the “-5” by 4.
8x ! 20 = 6x + 16
2) Expand the second set of brackets8x ! 6x ! 20 = 6x ! 6x + 16 Multiply the “3x” and “8” by 2.
3) Subtract 6x from both sides to get
2x ! 20 = 16
the variables together on one side.
2x ! 20 + 20 = 16 + 20
4) Add 20 to both sides to get rid of
2x = 36
the -20 on the left hand side
2x
36
=
4) Finally divide both sides by 2 because
2
2
the variable “x” is being multiplied by 2
x = 18
and division is the inverse operation of
multiplication.
4 2x-5 = 2 3x + 8