One-Step Equations

One-step equations can be solved with a single operation.

Inverse Operations

To isolate the variable, use the inverse (opposite) operation:

Operation	Inverse
Addition	Subtraction
Subtraction	Addition
Multiplication	Division
Division	Multiplication

Addition/Subtraction Equations

Example 1: $x + 7 = 12$

To isolate $x$, subtract 7 from both sides: $x + 7 - 7 = 12 - 7$ $x = 5$

Check: $5 + 7 = 12$ ✓

Example 2: $x - 4 = 9$

To isolate $x$, add 4 to both sides: $x - 4 + 4 = 9 + 4$ $x = 13$

Check: $13 - 4 = 9$ ✓

Multiplication/Division Equations

Example 3: $3x = 15$

To isolate $x$, divide both sides by 3: $\frac{3x}{3} = \frac{15}{3}$ $x = 5$

Check: $3(5) = 15$ ✓

Example 4: $\frac{x}{4} = 6$

To isolate $x$, multiply both sides by 4: $4 \cdot \frac{x}{4} = 4 \cdot 6$ $x = 24$

Check: $\frac{24}{4} = 6$ ✓

Practice Strategy

1. Identify what operation is applied to $x$
2. Apply the inverse operation to both sides
3. Simplify to find $x$
4. Check your answer!