2. To solve an equation, get the variable
by itself on one side of the equation.
“Undo” what is being done to the
variable with inverse operations.
Addition and subtraction are inverse
operations (opposites).
Multiplication and division are inverse
operations (opposites).
3. Your equal sign will be the
fulcrum (balancing point)!
Remember, whatever you do
to one side must be done to
the other side to maintain
balance.
4. If the number to move is positive, subtract it
from both sides of the equation.
If the number to move is negative, add its
positive value to both sides of the equation.
5. Solve the following equation for x:
x – 4 = 9
+ 4 +4
x = 13
We can get the x by itself by undoing the MINUS
4 with a PLUS 4 on each side!
6. Solve the following equation for p:
p + 7 = 21
- 7 - 7
p = 14
We can get the p by itself by undoing
the PLUS 7 with a MINUS 7 on each side!
7. Solve the following equation for m:
3 m = 18
Undo the TIMES 3 with a DIVIDE by 3
3 m = 18
3 3
m = 6
8. Solve the following equation for n:
n/5 = 3
Undo the DIVIDE by 5 with a TIMES 5.
5 • n/5 = 3 • 5
n = 15
9. Solve the following equations with one
step. Show your work!
1. r + 4 = 17
2. g - 15 = 10
3. 13 + p = 18
4. 7v = 49
5. w/3 = 2
10. 1. r = 13
2. g = 25
3. p = 5
4. v = 7
5. w = 6
