Solving One-Step Equations

Created by S. Koch x – 6y + 18 = 0 What are your coefficients? What is your constant? 3, -6 18

What you do to one side of the equation must also be done to the other side to keep it balanced. An equation is like a balance scale because it shows that two quantities are equal.

Created by S. Koch Solving one-step equations: A one-step equation means you only have to perform 1 mathematical operation to solve it. You can add, subtract, multiply or divide to solve a one-step equation.

What is the variable? To solve one step equations, you need to ask three questions about the equation: What operation is performed on the variable? What is the inverse operation? (The one that will undo what is being done to the variable)

Created by S. Koch Solving an addition equation : t + 7 = 21 Get rid of the 7 by adding its opposite to both sides of the equation. t + 7 = t = 14 Example 1

Created by S. Koch Solving a subtraction equation : g – 6 = 40 Get rid of the 6 by adding its opposite to both sides of the equation. g – 6 = g = 46 Example 2

Created by S. Koch Solving a multiplication equation : 8n = 32 Get rid of the 8 by dividing both sides of the equation by 8. Here we undo multiplication by doing the opposite – division. 8n = n = 4 Example 3

Created by S. Koch Solving a division equation : k / 9 = 11 Get rid of the 9 by multiplying both sides of the equation by 9. Here we undo division by doing the opposite – multiplication. k / 9 = 11 x 9 k = 99 Example 4

Created by S. Koch Homework Use your notes and show ALL steps.