When I first learned how to solve two-step linear equations in Year 10, it seemed a little scary at first. But after following some simple steps, I found it easier to understand and solve them. Here’s how you can do it too:

Step 1: Know the Equation Layout

Two-step linear equations look like this: $ax + b = c$. Here, $a$, $b$, and $c$ are just numbers, and $x$ is the variable we want to find. It's important to recognize this setup so you know what you’re working with.

Step 2: Get the Variable Alone

The main goal is to isolate or get $x$ by itself on one side of the equation. First, we need to get rid of the constant term ($b$) on the left side. You can do this by subtracting $b$ from both sides.

For example, if your equation is $3x + 4 = 10$, you would subtract 4 from both sides:

$$3x + 4 - 4 = 10 - 4$$

This simplifies to:

$$3x = 6$$

Step 3: Solve for the Variable

Next, we need to deal with the coefficient ($a$) next to $x$. To get $x$ alone, divide both sides by $a$. In our example, we will divide both sides by 3:

$$\frac{3x}{3} = \frac{6}{3}$$

This simplifies to:

$$x = 2$$

Step 4: Check Your Work

After you find $x$, it’s very important to check if your answer fits the original equation. Replace $x$ in the beginning equation with the number you found. For our example, if you put $2$ back into $3x + 4$, you will see:

$$3(2) + 4 = 10$$

This is true, so $x = 2$ is the correct answer!

Helpful Tips

• Keep it Balanced: Remember, if you do something to one side of the equation, you have to do the same to the other side. This keeps everything equal.
• Practice is Key: The more you practice, the easier it will become. Try solving different equations to improve your skills.

Following these steps will not only help you solve two-step linear equations but will also give you a solid base for more complicated math in the future!