Solving One-Step Equations: combined

You already know how to solve equations with addition/subtraction and with multiplication/division, but in the future you won't be told what type of equation you have. You need to look at the equation and know how to handle it. Remember that if you have addition/subtraction, you add the opposite to both sides. If you have multiplication/division, you do the reverse operation.

For example, if you have the equation , you need to think that the is being multiplied, so you have to do divide (which means multiply both sides by the reciprocal - the fraction flipped).



x = 15

Don't forget to check your work: Does ? Yes, so we are correct.

Let's try one more. x - 12 = -4 . In this equation, the -12 is being added, so we have to add the opposite to both sides: 12.

x - 12 = -4


x = 8

Check answer: . Yes.

It's not hard at all, but you do need to be careful and think through what type of equation you are trying to solve.

Practice: Solve each equation and check your answer.

1) y + 4 = -1

2) 5x = -7

3)

4) -12 = y + 11

5) -x = 9 (Hint: There is an understood one in front of the x: -1x = 9)


Answers: 1) y = -5 2) 3) n = 48 4) y = -23 5) x = -9

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