Algebraic Equations One Step

Algebraic Equations – 1 Step

Solve equations with one operation to isolate the variable.

Student Tips:

• Goal: get the variable by itself (x = something)
• Use opposite operations to “undo” what’s happening to x
• If x + 5 = 12, subtract 5 from both sides: x = 7
• If 3x = 15, divide both sides by 3: x = 5
• Always do the same thing to both sides

Teaching Instruction: Start with balance scale visual – what you do to one side, do to the other. Practice with simple numbers first. Use “what number makes this true?” approach before formal solving. Check answers by substituting back into original equation.