One-step equations
Solve equations that require a single inverse operation.
Worked examples
Solving an addition equation
Straightforward
Problem
Solve .
1
Identify the operation applied to .
has 7 added to it.
2
Apply the inverse operation to both sides.
The inverse of adding 7 is subtracting 7:
3
Simplify.
Answer
Solving a division equation with a negative
Moderate
Problem
Solve .
1
Identify the operation applied to .
is divided by .
2
Apply the inverse operation to both sides.
The inverse of dividing by is multiplying by :
3
Simplify.
4
Check by substituting back into the original equation.
Answer
Solving an equation with a fractional coefficient
Challenging
Problem
Solve .
1
Identify the operation applied to .
is multiplied by .
2
Apply the inverse operation to both sides.
The inverse of multiplying by is multiplying by :
3
Simplify the left side.
4
Simplify the right side.
Answer
Practise
Q1·Straightforward
Solve .
Explanation
Subtract 5 from both sides:
Q2·Straightforward
Solve .
Explanation
Subtract 3 from both sides:
Q3·Straightforward
Solve .
Explanation
Divide both sides by 4:
Q4·Straightforward
Solve .
Explanation
Divide both sides by 3:
Q5·Moderate
Solve .
Explanation
Add 7 to both sides:
Q6·Moderate
Solve .
Explanation
Add 4 to both sides:
Q7·Moderate
Solve .
Explanation
Multiply both sides by 5:
Q8·Moderate
Solve .
Explanation
Multiply both sides by :
Q9·Challenging
Solve . Give your answer as a fraction.
/
Explanation
Divide both sides by 3:
Q10·Challenging
Solve .
Explanation
Multiply both sides by :
Q11·Challenging
Solve . Give your answer as a fraction.
/
Explanation
Subtract from both sides:
Q12·Challenging
Solve .
Explanation
Divide both sides by 7: