Grade 5 → Algebraic Thinking ↓
Solving One-Step Equations
Solving one-step equations is an important concept in algebraic thinking. It is one of the building blocks that makes it easier to solve more complex equations later on. In math, an equation is a statement that equates two expressions. For example, in the equation x + 3 = 7
, the expression x + 3
equals 7
. In one-step equations, you only need to perform one operation to solve for the unknown variable.
Understanding one-step equations
One-step equations usually involve a single mathematical operation: addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. To solve these equations, you must perform the inverse (opposite) operation to isolate the variable. Let's look at each type of one-step equation in detail.
Sum equations
In a summation equation, the variable is added to a number. Its opposite operation is subtraction. For example, consider the equation:
x + 5 = 12
To solve for x
, we need to subtract 5
from both sides of the equation to keep it balanced. Let's subtract 5
from each side:
x + 5 - 5 = 12 - 5 x = 7
So, the solution is x = 7
. Let's use a simple visual representation to show this:
Subtraction equations
In a subtraction equation, a number is subtracted from the variable. The inverse operation is addition. Consider the equation:
x - 4 = 9
We add 4
to both sides to solve for x
:
x - 4 + 4 = 9 + 4 x = 13
The solution is x = 13
. Here's a visual approach:
Multiplication equations
In a multiplication equation, the variable is multiplied by a number. The inverse operation is division. Check the equation:
3x = 15
To isolate x
, divide both sides by 3
:
3x / 3 = 15 / 3 x = 5
The answer is x = 5
. Visual demonstration:
Division equation
In division equations, the variable is divided by a number. The inverse operation is multiplication. See example:
x / 4 = 3
Multiply both sides by 4
to find the value of x
:
(x / 4) * 4 = 3 * 4 x = 12
Thus, x = 12
. Visualize this:
Use of skills
Let's apply what we've learned with more examples:
Example 1: Solving x + 6 = 14
Subtract 6
to find x
:
x + 6 - 6 = 14 - 6 x = 8
Example 2: Solving x - 5 = 6
Add 5
to both sides to solve:
x - 5 + 5 = 6 + 5 x = 11
Example 3: Solving 4x = 8
Divide both sides by 4
:
4x / 4 = 8 / 4 x = 2
Example 4: Solving x / 3 = 7
Multiply both sides by 3
:
(x / 3) * 3 = 7 * 3 x = 21
Common challenges
Students often make mistakes when they forget to perform the inverse operation on both sides of the equation. It is important to keep the equation balanced to find the correct solution.
Practice problems
Here are some practice problems for you to solve. Remember to perform the inverse operation on both sides of each equation to isolate the variable.
x + 8 = 15
x - 10 = 5
5x = 20
x / 2 = 9
Conclusion
Solving one-step equations is an important skill in algebra that simplifies the process of solving complex equations. By understanding how to perform inverse operations, students gain confidence and accuracy in handling mathematical problems. Continue to practice these techniques to master the art of solving equations.
Additional resources
For more information, explore educational resources such as textbooks, worksheets, and online tutorials focused on equation solving strategies in algebra.