One-step equations: Addition or subtraction

It is important to learn this process, so that

you can apply it to more difficult equations!

Solving One-Step Equations

left side

Every equation has 2 sides, separated

by the = sign.

 x + 7

=
10
right side
Example  1

The inverse of addition is subtraction, so we need

to subtract 9 from both sides of the equation.

We need to UNDO the 9, which is added to p.

+  9  =  12
p
-
9
=
- 9
3

You must show

the steps of

solving your

equations in

this manner!

Example  2

We need to UNDO the 3, which is subtracted from s.

The inverse of subtraction is addition, so we need

to add 3 to both sides of the equation.

s

 -  3  =  17

+

3

=
+ 3

20

You must show

the steps of

solving your

equations!

Balance the equation.  

x           =   −20
x  +  7  =  -13
First, do two pencil strokes, then balance the equation.  
x           =     2
x  −  (−7) =  9
Balance the equation.  
x           =   −5
x  -  4  =  -9
Balance the equation.  
x           =   −2
x  +  5  =  3
Balance the equation.  
  5  =  -2   +   x
7 =            x
Balance the equation.  
  7  =  -4   +   x
=            x
Balance the equation.  
x           =   
x  -  6  =  -3
  -10  =  -8   +   x
Balance the equation.  
=            x
Balance the equation.  
x           =   
x  −  (−3) =  7
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