CALCULATOR
—
We have some questions for you! Help us out through this
INTRO
—
An equation is a math sentence that uses an equals sign to tell us two values or expressions are equal.
The equation below reads, is equal to .
The is a variable, which is a symbol that represents a number or value we don’t know yet but want to find.
When there is only one operation acting on the variable, we call the equation a one step equation, meaning it only requires one inverse operation to solve for the value of the variable.
Just like how an antidote undoes the effect of poison, the inverse operation () undoes the effect of the operation () acting on the variable we’re solving for.
To undo , we use division.
When we use an inverse operation on one side of the equation, we have to do the same thing on the other side to keep the equation balanced.
Think of this as applying the antidote to both sides to clear out the poison completely.
KEY STEPS
—
How to Solve One Step Equations
Step 1. Identify the operation on the variable.
This is what’s being done to the variable - think of it as the poison.
Step 2. Identify the inverse operation.
Think of the inverse operation as the antidote.
| Operation | Inverse |
| Add | Subtract |
| Subtract | Add |
| Multiply | Divide |
| Divide | Multiply |
| A power | A root |
| A root | A power |
Step 3. Undo with the inverse operation.
Think of this as applying the antidote to both sides to clear out the poison completely.
LESSON
— Solving One Step Equations
PRACTICE
— Solving One Step Equations
CONCLUSION
—
Leave Feedback