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Algebra basics
Unit 3: Lesson 1
One-step equations- One-step addition & subtraction equations
- One-step addition equation
- One-step addition & subtraction equations
- One-step addition & subtraction equations
- One-step division equations
- One-step multiplication equations
- One-step multiplication & division equations
- One-step multiplication & division equations
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One-step addition & subtraction equations
CCSS.Math:
Learn to solve equations like "x + 3 = 9" or "y - 5 = 8".
Based on our understanding of the balance beam model, we know that we always have to do the same thing to both sides of an equation to keep it true.
But how do we know what to do to both sides of the equation?
Addition and subtraction are inverse operations
Inverse operations are opposite operations that undo or counteract each other.
Here's an example of how subtraction is the inverse operation of addition:
If we start with seven, add three, then subtract three, we get back to seven:
Here's an example of how addition is the inverse operation of subtraction:
If we start with five, subtract two, then add two, we get back to five:
Solving an addition equation using inverse operations
Let's think about how we can solve for k in the following equation:
We want to get k by itself on the left hand side of the equation. So, what can we do to undo adding 22?
We can subtract 22 because the inverse operation of addition is subtraction!
Here's how subtracting 22 from each side looks:
Let's check our work.
It's always a good idea to check our solution in the original equation to make sure we didn't make any mistakes:
Yes, k, equals, start color #1fab54, 7, end color #1fab54 is a solution!
Solving a subtraction equation using inverse operations
Now let's try to solve a slightly different type of equation:
We want to get p by itself on the left hand side of the equation. So, what can we do to cancel out subtracting 18?
We can add 18 because the inverse operation of subtraction is addition!
Here's how adding 18 to each side looks:
Let's check our work.
Yes, p, equals, start color #1fab54, 21, end color #1fab54 is a solution!
Summary of how to solve addition and subtraction equations
Cool, so we just solved an addition equation and a subtraction equation. Let's summarize what we did:
Type of equation | Example | First step |
---|---|---|
Addition equation | k, plus, 22, equals, 29 | Subtract 22 from each side. |
Subtraction equation | p, minus, 18, equals, 3 | Add 18 to each side. |
Let's try some problems.
Want to join the conversation?
- why is there a pic of the queen of england(45 votes)
- I was wondering that to(19 votes)
- so basically its always gonna be the opposite of this like well minus is actually add and add is actually minus and times is actually division and division is actually times...right?(19 votes)
- yes. that is correct(2 votes)
- when you have h-3=15 then you have to add 3 to the 15 and add the plus three to the negative three so what you would get is 18(10 votes)
- H - 3 = 15, We add 3 to both sides.
H - 3 + 3 = 15 + 3 The 3 cancels on the left side, and we get 18 on the right side.
H = 18
Your variable is equal to 18.(3 votes)
- It help and it helped me(9 votes)
- What is the easiest way to do this.(4 votes)
- The easiest way to do this is:
if we have 2+a=8
and we need to figure out "a" we can subtract 2 from 8, and that gives us 6, but in these problems we just need to figure out that with bigger numbers.
and for subtraction:
if we have the equation z-4=12
We can figure out "z" by adding 12 to 4 and that would be (16)"z" but in these problems we just do it with bigger numbers.(5 votes)
- this guy basically took over the us education system, pog(6 votes)
- I have and better way to just count up if you have big numbers than you can use this way so would i be able to do this way only for big numbers? this is harder the way you are doing it(6 votes)
- If it is 14+x=21 you can just take 21 minus 14 right? Seems pretty easy.(3 votes)
- Yes. Just remember, the mechanics are that you are actually subtracting the 14 from both sides. This is what keeps the equation in balance. But it is quite common to show the subtraction on one side: x= 21-14(2 votes)
- how do you know if the sub one like k-6=12 how do I remember that I have to have the k at the beginning??(2 votes)
- Yes but ignore the K and add 6 and 12 then make K that number you got(4 votes)
- why is it so easy(2 votes)
- Maybe because these equations can be solved in one step. It's good that you find this easy. This is a building block to help you solve multistep equations.(3 votes)