How do you solve a two-step equation?

Undo the addition or subtraction first, then undo the multiplication or division. Do each step to both sides, then check by putting the answer back in.

What grade is this two-step equations worksheet for?

It is written for grade 7 and matches Common Core standard 7.EE.B.4a.

Can I get a different version of this two-step equations worksheet?

Yes. Use the free Mathify Kids test maker to make a new two-step equations worksheet with different numbers every time. You choose how many questions, and every version comes with its own answer key.

Two-step equations worksheets

Thirty-six two-step equations: guided steps, mixed equations with fractions like x/4, negative numbers, brackets such as 3(x + 4) = 27, and four real-life stories.

Download the free two-step equations worksheet (PDF)

Two-step equations worksheet

PDF · US Letter · Grade 7 · 36 questions · answer key included

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What’s on the worksheet

36 questions on two-step equations, sized for US Letter paper
2 pages of questions plus an answer key on the last page
Written for grade 7, matching Common Core 7.EE.B.4a
Name and date lines at the top, and room to show the work

Sample questions from this worksheet

7x − 20 = 1 so 7x = ____ so x = ____
8x − 7 = 17 so 8x = ____ so x = ____
4x − 20 = 0 so 4x = ____ so x = ____
6x − 3 = 45 so 6x = ____ so x = ____
3x + 19 = 34 so 3x = ____ so x = ____
3x + 2 = 8 so 3x = ____ so x = ____

Preview the worksheet and answer key

Make a new two-step equations worksheet

Need another page for extra practice, a retake or a second group in class? The free Mathify Kids test maker builds a fresh two-step equations worksheet with different numbers every time. Choose how many questions, print it with its own answer key, or let your child take it on screen and see the score straight away.

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Two-step equations: a worked example (3x − 4 = 17)

Undo the subtraction first: add 4 to both sides. 3x = 21.
Then undo the multiplication: divide both sides by 3. x = 7.
Check: 3 × 7 − 4 = 21 − 4 = 17.

How to use it at home and in class

At home

The rule is “undo in reverse order”: + and − first, then × and ÷. Part A writes out both steps, so start there even if your child is confident. For the negative numbers in Part C, check one answer together by putting it back in. The equation solver shows every step if your child gets stuck. Ten problems a day works better than a whole sheet at once. Mark them together with the answer key, then ask your child to explain one they got wrong: finding the mistake themselves is where the learning happens.

In class

Use the first row as a warm-up, a full page for independent practice, or five questions as an exit ticket. For a retake or a second group, make a new version with the test maker so every child gets different numbers.

Mistakes to watch for

Dividing first and forgetting to divide the 4 as well, so 3x − 4 = 17 becomes x − 4 = 17/3.
Adding when the equation has + and subtracting when it has −, instead of using the opposite.
Losing a negative sign, so −2x = 10 gives x = 5 instead of −5.
With brackets, multiplying only the first term: 3(x + 4) is 3x + 12, not 3x + 4.

What to practice before and after two-step equations

Before: one-step equations. If this sheet is a struggle, go back a step.
After: multi-step equations, once this one is mostly right.
Learn it first: the two-step equations lesson.