Solving One-Step Equations

Concept

What if you were in a math contest and were given the equation x+4=16? Or how about the equation 9x = 72? Could you solve each of these equations in one step? After completing this Concept, you'll be able to solve equations like these in a just a single step by using inverse operations.

Common Core

• MAT-HS.A-CED.01 Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems. Include equations arising from linear and quadratic functions, and simple rational and exponential functions.
• MAT-HS.A-CED.02 Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities; graph equations on coordinate axes with labels and scales.
• MAT-HS.A-REI.01 Explain each step in solving a simple equation as following from the equality of numbers asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation has a solution. Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method.
• MAT-HS.A-REI.03 Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, including equations with coefficients represented by letters.
• MAT-HS.A-REI.05 Prove that, given a system of two equations in two variables, replacing one equation by the sum of that equation and a multiple of the other produces a system with the same solutions.

Learning Objectives

• Solve an equation using addition.
• Solve an equation using subtraction.
• Solve an equation using multiplication.
• Solve an equation using division.