Teach Solving Multi Step Equations Without the Headache

Teaching multi step equations is a breeze when students have the proper background knowledge of combining like terms, integer operations, rational numbers, and one/two-step equations from 7th grade before they get to 8th grade! I have had years when this was the case (it’s awesome!), and other years where it was literally painful to teach. I know that students NEED to know how to solve equations in order to be successful in the next unit (inequalities) and for the next school year when they get to Algebra. So this is one of those units where I chuck the pacing guide and take as much time as my students need.

Though the number of steps to solve a multi step equation will vary, I always like to show students the most lengthy problems.

Before Teaching Multi-Step Equations: Integer Operations

So at this point, we have practiced combining like terms and using the distributive property of multiplication. Next, I take some time (maybe a day) to review integer operations. Then, we practice with Kahoot or Blooket. Blooket is GREAT for practicing math facts! I try to make the review of Integer Operations as painless and fun as possible.

Before Teaching Multi Step Equations: Review One/Two Step Equations

Please don’t make the same mistakes I did my first few years of teaching and jump straight to two-step equations. The first thing you should do is start slowly by reviewing inverse operations and practicing one-step equations. Many will be reluctant because they want to guess and check, but I require them to show their work. I would give one step an entire day!

Once they demonstrate mastery with one step, we move on to two-step equations. This could take about 3 days depending on the group of kids!

Teaching Multi-Step Equations with Variables on One Side

After two step equations, I introduce “like terms”. I start this off informally with an example like this on the board. 

 

 

I then ask them what they notice about the problem. They will usually say, “There are two variables!” Then, I have them do a think-pair-share of the question prompt, “How can we solve for x?”

In my first two years of teaching, I completely skipped over teaching multi-step equations with variables on one side. I blame it on the curriculum guide that my district provided. It said nothing about it!! As a result, when I introduced variables on both sides, students tried to combine terms that weren’t on the same side of the equal sign. SIGGGH. Learn from my mistakes, don’t do this

After they are masters with this, we take notes. I love to teach multi-step equations in a flow-chart-inspired way using these printable worksheets that also include word problems!

 

 

Also, I make them check their answers. I always tell them that there is no reason to have incorrect answers with equations because you can check your answers (lying to myself). Many kids will plug their answer in and just write a checkmark, instead of actually doing the order of operations to check. SIGH. But still, have them do it anyway!

Teaching multi-step equations with variables isn’t too bad, it’s the variables on both sides that trips them up and causes me to lose sleep at night!

Teaching Multi Step Equations with Variables on Both Sides

It’s time. For this to be successful, I suggest that students’ first step be drawing a vertical line through the equal sign so students can see the two separate sides. Also, emphasize the difference between left and right (this will help when teaching inequalities too). It’s scary how many students don’t quite know the difference. I always have them move their variables from the right side to the left side because it will be easier for them to graph inequalities when the unknown variable is there.

Just like before, I write a problem on the board to introduce the lesson and get kids thinking.

 

 

After they do a think pair share, we take notes. I emphasize that there are 5 steps that students may need to do to solve multi-step equations. I like color, so I have them use 5 colors to color code the steps!

 

 

• Distribute (if needed)
• Combine Like Terms
• Move Variables to One Side
• Add/Subtract
• Multiply/Divide

 

Then, I introduce the mnemonic,”Don’t call me after midnight.” to help them remember the order of the steps!

Students should recognize that they only need to distribute when they see parentheses.

As mentioned earlier, combining like terms is the step where most mistakes occur. Students will want to combine like terms that are on opposite sides of the equal sign. To decrease the number of mistakes, it is helpful to point out the vertical line so you can say, “Are there any like terms on the left?” and “Are there any like terms on the right?”

Now it’s time for practice! Multi Step Equation Anchor Charts are super helpful. Students should think of it like a checklist. It’s a great idea to have them write the acronym for the steps: D.C.M.A.M. and check them off as they solve!

 

Exit Ticket Idea

The common mistake of combining like terms on opposite sides of the equal sign would make a great error analysis exit ticket!

 

My Favorite Multi-Step Equations Activities

• Math Games

• Multi-Step Equations Worksheet with Partner Problems

• Multi-Step Equations Color by Number (Students must search for the correct answer and then color!)

Conclusion

If you use any of these multi-step equations tips or activities, I’d love to know how it goes.

Need help with teaching combining like terms? Check out this blog post next!

Do you have any other favorite strategies?