Solve One Step Equations in 5 Easy Ways

Understanding One Step Equations

One step equations are the foundation of algebra and are used to solve a wide range of mathematical problems. These equations involve a single variable and can be solved in just one step. In this article, we will explore five easy ways to solve one step equations.

What are One Step Equations?

One step equations are algebraic equations that can be solved in a single step. They typically involve a variable, such as x or y, and a constant value. The equation is solved by isolating the variable on one side of the equation.

Method 1: Adding or Subtracting the Same Value to Both Sides

One of the simplest ways to solve a one step equation is to add or subtract the same value to both sides of the equation. This method works because when you add or subtract the same value to both sides, the equation remains balanced.

Example: 2x + 3 = 7

To solve this equation, we can subtract 3 from both sides:

2x + 3 - 3 = 7 - 3 2x = 4

📝 Note: When adding or subtracting the same value to both sides, make sure to keep the equation balanced by performing the same operation on both sides.

Method 2: Multiplying or Dividing Both Sides by the Same Value

Another way to solve one step equations is to multiply or divide both sides by the same value. This method works because when you multiply or divide both sides by the same value, the equation remains balanced.

Example: 4x = 20

To solve this equation, we can divide both sides by 4:

4x / 4 = 20 / 4 x = 5

📝 Note: When multiplying or dividing both sides by the same value, make sure to keep the equation balanced by performing the same operation on both sides.

Method 3: Using Inverse Operations

Inverse operations are pairs of operations that “undo” each other. For example, addition and subtraction are inverse operations, as are multiplication and division. Using inverse operations is a powerful way to solve one step equations.

Example: x - 2 = 5

To solve this equation, we can use the inverse operation of addition to “undo” the subtraction:

x - 2 + 2 = 5 + 2 x = 7

Method 4: Using Mental Math

Mental math is a great way to solve simple one step equations quickly and efficiently. By using basic arithmetic operations, you can solve equations in your head.

Example: x + 1 = 9

To solve this equation, we can use mental math to subtract 1 from both sides:

x + 1 - 1 = 9 - 1 x = 8

Method 5: Using a Number Line

A number line is a visual representation of numbers on a line. By using a number line, you can solve one step equations by counting on or counting back.

Example: x - 3 = 2

To solve this equation, we can use a number line to count on 3:

x - 3 + 3 = 2 + 3 x = 5

In conclusion, solving one step equations can be easy and fun. By using these five methods, you can solve a wide range of mathematical problems quickly and efficiently.

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