How Do You Solve a Two-Step Equation by Multiplying by -1 First?

How Do You Solve a Two-Step Equation by Multiplying by -1 First?

Note:

Got a negative variable in an equation? Want to get rid of that negative sign? This tutorial shows you how by using the multiplication property of -1!

Keywords:

  • problem
  • 1 variable
  • variable on 1 side
  • multiply by -1
  • negative 1
  • negative
  • multiplication property of -1
  • check
  • check answer
  • equation
  • solve
  • multiple step solution
  • multi-step
  • multiple operations
  • subtraction
  • plug in
  • isolate variable second

Background Tutorials

  • Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems. Perform arithmetic operations, including those involving whole-number exponents, in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations).

      • How Do You Evaluate an Algebraic Expression?How Do You Evaluate an Algebraic Expression?

      How Do You Evaluate an Algebraic Expression?

      Plugging variables into an expression is essential for solving many algebra problems. See how to plug in variable values by watching this tutorial.

      • What is a Variable?What is a Variable?

      What is a Variable?

      You can't do algebra without working with variables, but variables can be confusing. If you've ever wondered what variables are, then this tutorial is for you!

  • Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations of the form x + p = q and px = q for cases in which p, q and x are all nonnegative rational numbers.

      • What's the Addition Property of Equality?What's the Addition Property of Equality?

      What's the Addition Property of Equality?

      Solving equations can be tough, especially if you've forgotten or have trouble understanding the tools at your disposal. One of those tools is the addition property of equality, and it lets you add the same number to both sides of an equation. Watch the video to see it in action!

      • How Do You Solve an Equation Using Addition?How Do You Solve an Equation Using Addition?

      How Do You Solve an Equation Using Addition?

      Solving an equation for a variable? Perform the order of operations in reverse! Check it out in this tutorial.

  • Understand that multiplication is extended from fractions to rational numbers by requiring that operations continue to satisfy the properties of operations, particularly the distributive property, leading to products such as (-1)(-1) = 1 and the rules for multiplying signed numbers. Interpret products of rational numbers by describing real-world contexts.

      • What are the Multiplication Properties of 0 and -1?What are the Multiplication Properties of 0 and -1?

      What are the Multiplication Properties of 0 and -1?

      Understanding the multiplication properties of 0 and -1 are fundamental building blocks in learning all there is to know about the operation of multiplication. In this tutorial, you'll learn about these two important properties.

Further Exploration

  • Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations of the form x + p = q and px = q for cases in which p, q and x are all nonnegative rational numbers.