How Do You Solve Two-Step Equations With Fractions?

A two-step algebra equation is an important concept in math. It can be used to solve problems that are not as simple one-step addition, subtraction, multiplication or division ones. In addition, fraction problems add an additional layer or computation into the problem.

Step 1

Examine a problem that you are provided or that you are faced with in everyday life. For example, two teachers are preparing apples for lunch for their students. They have 10 apples in all and will take one whole apple each for themselves. They will then slice the apples in quarters to give to each student. How many students can they serve with quarter slices?

Step 2

Set up an equation to solve the question with the variables identified.

10 apples = 2 teachers + 1/4 slices * x students

Step 3

Simplify the equation for easy computation.

10 = 2 + 1/4x

Subtract two from both sides of the equation to further simplify it:

8 = 1/4x

Step 4

Multiply by the inverse of the fraction on both sides of the equation to simplify.

(4/1) 8 = (4/1) 1/4x

Step 5

Perform the operation to find the final result.

32 = x

The teachers can provide quarter slices for 32 students.