2(x + 5) = x + 13
Show answer
x = 3
Free printable worksheet
Multi-Step Equations Worksheet
Twelve full-width equations involving distribution, combining like terms, and variables on both sides.
Middle School MathGrades 7-84 pagesAnswer key included
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What this worksheet includes
- Twelve full-width equations involving distribution, combining like terms, and variables on both sides.
- 4-page printable PDF with a complete answer key
- Designed for Grades 7-8 middle school math practice
- Available as an immediate free download with no email required
How to use it
Use this multi-step equations worksheet for guided practice, independent review, homework, tutoring sessions, or a quick skills check. The spacious layout is designed to leave room for students to show their work rather than guess from crowded answer choices.
After students finish, compare their reasoning with the included answer key. When an answer is incorrect, have the student locate the first step where their work changed direction before trying the problem again.
Who this practice is for
This resource is designed for grades 7-8 students working on middle school math. Teachers, tutors, homeschool families, and parents can preview the first page before deciding whether the level and spacing fit the student.
Looking for a broader sequence? Browse all Middle School Math worksheets.
Topic guide
How to approach multi-step equations
Multi-step equations require simplifying before isolating the variable. Distribute through parentheses, combine like terms on each side, and then move variables and constants strategically.
Writing one valid transformation per line makes sign errors easier to locate. The final check should use the unsimplified original equation.
Learning objectives
- Distribute and combine like terms
- Solve equations with variables on both sides
- Check multi-step solutions
Skills to review first
- Two-step equations
- Distributive property
- Signed-number arithmetic
Worked example
Follow the reasoning step by step
Solve 3(2x − 4) + 5 = 2x + 9.
- Distribute: 6x − 12 + 5 = 2x + 9.
- Combine: 6x − 7 = 2x + 9.
- Subtract 2x and add 7: 4x = 16.
- Divide by 4.
Solution: x = 4.
Try before downloading
Three sample problems
Work each problem, then open the answer to check your result.
5x − 8 = 2x + 13
Show answer
x = 7
4(2y − 1) − 3y = 11
Show answer
y = 3
Error check
Common mistakes to watch for
- Distributing to only the first term
- Combining unlike terms
- Moving a term by changing its sign without showing an operation