Question

how do you solve two step equations like 2x+1=9

Answer 1

$2x+1=9$
subtract 1 from both sides
$2x=8$
divide by 2 on both sided
$x=4$

Answer 2

2x + 1 = 9
      - 1 = -1
     ^the 1's cancel
       2x = 8
         x = 8/2
         x = 4 <--- that is the answer

hope this helps :)