Solving Equations
One Step Equations
Follow the Steps:
Let's Take a Closer Look
Solve for x in the equation: x + 3 = 7 Since I want to get x by itself, I need to remove the 3.
x + 3 - 3 = 7 - 3 The opposite of plus threee is minus three, and whatever I do to one side, I must do the the other side. So I subtracted 3 from both sides.
x = 4 On the left side, 3 - 3 is 0; that is how we got x by itself. On the right side 7 - 3 is 4 so x = 4.
Always check: Substitute 4 for x in your equation. x + 3 = 7
Since x is 4 I substitue 4 for x and my equation reads 4 + 3 = 7, 7 = 7.
So my answer is correct.
Vocabulary
equation
inverse operations
variable