Multiply the outside factor by every term inside the parentheses.
Free Interactive Pre-Algebra Tool
Step-by-Step Multi-Step Equations Practice
Simplify and solve equations that may require distribution, combining like terms, and multiple inverse operations. Rewrite the complete equation after each valid algebra step.
Start practicingNeed Help With Multi-Step Equations?
Review how to distribute, combine like terms, simplify both sides, and use inverse operations in the correct order to isolate the variable.
Read the Multi-Step Equations Guide
Problem 1 of 10
10%
Current equation
Simplify the equation before isolating the variable.
Original equation
3(x + 4) + 2x = 27
Your work
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- Start 3(x + 4) + 2x = 27
Solve this equation
3(x + 4) + 2x = 27
Distribute and combine like terms first, then use inverse operations to isolate the variable.
Hint
Look for parentheses or like terms first. Simplify the equation before using inverse operations.
Multi-step equation reference
Combine terms only when their variable parts match exactly.
Subtract 12 from both sides before undoing the coefficient.
Divide both sides by 5 to isolate x.
Track the signs carefully when the outside factor is negative.
After simplifying, use the reciprocal when needed to isolate the variable.
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Simplify before solving
Remove parentheses and combine like terms before trying to isolate the variable.
Keep every equation balanced
Once simplification is complete, apply the same inverse operation to both sides of the equation.
Show every algebra step
Rewrite the complete updated equation after each valid step instead of jumping directly to the final solution.
Example
What does a multi-step solution look like?
Suppose the original equation is:
3(x + 4) + 2x = 27
1
Distribute 3
3x + 12 + 2x = 27
2
Combine like terms
5x + 12 = 27
3
Subtract 12 from both sides
5x = 15
4
Divide both sides by 5
x = 3
The student enters each complete updated equation separately so every simplification and solving step stays visible.
Practice Multi-Step Equations by Showing Every Algebra Step
Multi-step equations combine several algebra skills in one problem. Students may need to distribute, combine like terms, simplify constants, and then use inverse operations to isolate the variable.
This practice tool focuses on the changing equation rather than only the final answer. Students rewrite the complete equation after each valid step, making it easier to identify where an error occurs.
Distribute Before Solving
If parentheses are present, use the distributive property first. Multiply the outside factor by every term inside the parentheses before combining like terms.
Combine Like Terms
After distribution, combine matching variable terms and constants when possible. Simplifying the equation first makes the later inverse operations much easier to see.
Use Inverse Operations in Order
Once the equation is simplified, remove the constant term and then undo the coefficient or division attached to the variable.
Negative Numbers and Fractions
Intermediate and advanced problems include negative factors, negative coefficients, fractional coefficients, division forms, and fractional solutions.
Three Difficulty Levels
Beginner problems focus on combining like terms with simple whole-number equations. Intermediate problems add distribution and negative values. Advanced problems include multiple simplification steps, fractions, and more challenging sign patterns.
Free Multi-Step Equations Practice on Any Device
The tool is designed for desktop computers, tablets, and phones and can be used for tutoring sessions, homework support, classroom review, or independent practice.