Multi-Step Equations Calculator

This multi step equations calculator solves linear equations that take more than one move — brackets to expand, fractions to clear, x on both sides — and shows every step in order, ending with a check.

Tip: use the math keyboard for symbols like √, x² and fractions. You can also attach a photo, screenshot or PDF of the problem (up to 4 files).

Try an example:
Explanation

Math keyboard

Keys go in at the cursor. Select part of your problem first to wrap it — for example, select x + 1 and press √.

How to solve multi-step equations

  1. Clear fractions: multiply every term by the lowest common denominator.
  2. Expand brackets, minding the signs.
  3. Collect like terms on each side.
  4. Move the xx terms to one side and the numbers to the other.
  5. Divide by the coefficient of xx, then check by substituting.

Worked examples

Easy: brackets and xx on both sides

  1. Solve 3(x−4)+2=2x+53(x - 4) + 2 = 2x + 5. Expand: 3x−12+2=2x+53x - 12 + 2 = 2x + 5, so 3x−10=2x+53x - 10 = 2x + 5.
  2. Subtract 2x2x and add 10: x=15x = 15.
  3. Check: 3(11)+2=353(11) + 2 = 35 and 2(15)+5=352(15) + 5 = 35 ✓.

Medium: a negative in front of a bracket

  1. Solve 5x−2(x−3)=4x−15x - 2(x - 3) = 4x - 1. Expand: 5x−2x+6=4x−15x - 2x + 6 = 4x - 1, so 3x+6=4x−13x + 6 = 4x - 1.
  2. Subtract 3x3x and add 1: 7=x7 = x.
  3. Check: 35−2(4)=2735 - 2(4) = 27 and 4(7)−1=274(7) - 1 = 27 ✓.

Hard: fractions

  1. Solve x+23−x−14=2\frac{x + 2}{3} - \frac{x - 1}{4} = 2. Multiply every term by 12: 4(x+2)−3(x−1)=244(x + 2) - 3(x - 1) = 24.
  2. Expand: 4x+8−3x+3=244x + 8 - 3x + 3 = 24, so x+11=24x + 11 = 24 and x=13x = 13.
  3. Check: 153−124=5−3=2\frac{15}{3} - \frac{12}{4} = 5 - 3 = 2 ✓.

Common mistakes with multi-step equations

  • Multiplying only some terms by the common denominator.
  • −2(x−3)-2(x - 3) is −2x+6-2x + 6: the minus applies to both terms.
  • Moving a term without changing its sign.
  • Stopping at 3x=213x = 21 — divide to finish: x=7x = 7.

Frequently asked questions

What is a multi-step equation?

A linear equation that needs several operations to solve — for example expanding brackets, collecting like terms and then dividing — rather than just one.

What order should I do the steps in?

Clear fractions, expand brackets, collect like terms on each side, get xx on one side, then divide. Undo addition and subtraction before multiplication and division.

What if the xx terms cancel out?

Then either every number is a solution (a true statement like 6=66 = 6) or there is no solution (a false one like 6=16 = 1). The calculator tells you which.

Does it solve other kinds of equations?

Yes — quadratics, absolute value and fraction equations too. For those, the equation solver and quadratic calculator are built for the job.