⚖ Solving One-Step Equations

An Equation Is a Balance Scale

An equation says two things are equal: x + 5 = 12. Like a balanced scale, whatever you do to one side you must do to the other side. The goal is to get x alone.

Inverse Operations

Undo the operation done to x using its inverse:

• x + 5 = 12 → subtract 5 from both sides: x = 7
• x − 3 = 9 → add 3 to both sides: x = 12
• 4x = 28 → divide both sides by 4: x = 7
• x/6 = 5 → multiply both sides by 6: x = 30

Always Check Your Answer

Substitute your answer back into the original equation to verify. If x + 5 = 12 and you found x = 7: 7 + 5 = 12 ✓. Checking takes 10 seconds and catches errors.