Solving 1-step Equations
YOU MUST SHOW ALL STEPS!
What is an equation? What is a variable?
An EQUATION says that two things are equal. It will have an equals sign: 7 + 2 = 10 − 1
That equation says: what is on the left (7 + 2) is equal to what is on the right (10 − 1)
So an equation is like a statement "this equals that".
A VARIABLE is a symbol for a number we don't know yet. It is usually a letter like x or y, but it can be any letter.
The GOAL
The most important thing to remember in solving a linear equation is that whatever operation you do to one side of the equation, you MUST do to the other side. So if you subtract a number from one side, you MUST subtract the same value from the other side. You will see how this works in the examples.
The best thing about working equations is that you can check your answer each time to see if it is correct. Substitute your answer in for the variable, and solve. Do both sides of your equation match? Then you have correctly solved your equation!
Remember: We must UNDO, or do the OPPOSITE operation to solve equations.
Video Lesson
Addition & Subtraction Examples
ADDITION
Don't forget to CHECK your work. To check this answer, substitute 6 in for the y.
6 + 14 = 20
20 = 20 CORRECT!
Subtraction Example
Don't forget to CHECK your work. To check this answer, substitute 200 in for the x.
200 - 120 = 80
80 = 80 CORRECT!
COMPLETE PRACTICE PROBLEMS IN YOUR PACKET!
Video Lesson
Multiplication & Division Examples
MULTIPLICATION
Don't forget to check your work. To check, substitute 4 in for n:
3(4) = 12
12 = 12 CORRECT!
DIVISION
Don't forget to check your work. To check, substitute 32 in for k:
32 = 16
2
16 = 16 CORRECT!