# Multi-Step Linear Equations

Multi-step linear equation is an equation, that requires more than two actions (operations) in order to be solved.

Such equations are solved in a same manner as one-step linear equations and two-step linear equations, using properties of expressions, except you, probably, need to do many operations.

Example 1. Solve the following equation: 5x=3(2x-3).

This equation contains variables on both sides. We need to move all terms, containing variable, to one side, in order to isolate variable.

However, variable on the right side is inside parenthesis, so we need to expand parenthesis first:

5x=3*2x-3*3 (distributive property of multiplication: a(b-c)=ab-ac)

5x=6x-9

Now, subtract 6x from both sides of the equation:

5xcolor(red)(-6x)=6x-9color(red)(-6x)

5x-6x=6x-6x-9 (commutative property of addition: -9-6x=-6x-9)

5x-6x=0-9 (inverse property of addition: 6x-6x=0)

5x-6x=-9 (identity property of addition: 0-9=-9)

(5-6)x=-9 (distributive property of multiplicaton: ac-bc=(a-b)c)

-x=-9

Finally, multiple both sides of equation by -1:

-xtimes(color(red)(-1))=(color(red)(-1))

x=9

So, 9 is root of the equation.

Multi-step equations can have no roots.

Example 2. Solve the following equation: 2(x-3)=(10x+8)/5.

Rewrite equation a bit: 2(x-3)=1/5(10x+8).

This equation contains variables on both sides. We need to move all terms, containing variable, to one side, in order to isolate variable.

But first we need to "free" variables out of parenthesis:

2x-2*3=1/5*10x+1/5*8 (distributive property of multiplication: a(b+c)=ab+ac)

2x-6=2x+8/5

Now, subtract 2x from both sides of the equation:

2x-6color(red)(-2x)=2x+8/5color(red)(-2x)

2x-2x-6=2x-2x+8/5 (commutative property of addition)

0-6=0+8/5 (inverse property of addition)

-6!=8/5 (identity property of addition)

We've got incorrect equality, so this equation has no roots.

Finally, linear equation can have infinite number of roots.

Example 3. Solve the following equation: 1/4x-1/2x+5=-1/4x+5.

I will do this example a bit faster.

(1/4-1/2)x+5=-1/4x+5

-1/4x+5=-1/4x+5

5=5

We've got correct equality, so this any number is root of this equation.

Finally, consider a more complex example. Don't be frustrated, just do it step by step.

Example 4. Solve the following equation: ((2(x-2))/3-5)/7=1/2x+7.

Multiply both sides of equation by 7:

(2(x-2))/3-5=7(1/2x+7)

(2(x-2))/3-5=7*1/2x+7*7

(2(x-2))/3-5=7/2x+49

Add 5 to both sides of equation:

(2(x-2))/3=7/2x+54

Multiply both sides by 3:

2(x-2)=21/2x+162

Divide both sides by 2:

x-2=21/4x+81

Add 2 to both sides of equation:

x=21/4x+83

Subtract 21/4x from both sides of equation:

x-21/4x=83

-17/4x=83

Divide both sides of equation by -17/4:

x=83/(-17/4)=-332/17

So, -332/17 is root of the equation.

Now, it is time to exercise.

Exercise 1. Solve the following equation: 5(x-4)=2x+3.

Answer: 23/3.

Exercise 2. Solve the following equation: x/3=(2x+3)/6.

Exercise 3. Solve the following equation: 3(2(a+5)-5)=2a+8+1/3(a-2).
Answer: -23/11.
Exercise 4. Solve the following equation: 2x-2=2(x-5)+8.
Exercise 5. Solve the following equation: ((3y-5)/4-2(2y-7))/5=((3(y-1))/4+5(y-1))/7.
Answer: 236/103.