Solving One-Step Simple Linear Equations

What is a Simple Linear Equation?

A simple linear equation is an equation where the highest power of the variable is 1. The goal is to find the value of the variable that makes the equation true. One-step equations can be solved using basic arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction.

Solving One-Step Equations Using Addition

To solve a one-step equation using addition, you add the same number to both sides of the equation to isolate the variable.

Example 1:

Solve: x - 4 = 10

Solution:

Step 1: Add 4 to both sides of the equation.

x - 4 + 4 = 10 + 4

Step 2: Simplify.

x = 14

Solving One-Step Equations Using Subtraction

To solve a one-step equation using subtraction, you subtract the same number from both sides of the equation to isolate the variable.

Example 2:

Solve: y + 7 = 12

Solution:

Step 1: Subtract 7 from both sides of the equation.

y + 7 - 7 = 12 - 7

Step 2: Simplify.

y = 5

Exercises

Exercise 1:

Solve: x + 9 = 15

Exercise 2:

Solve: z - 6 = 8

Solutions to Exercises

Solution 1:

Subtract 9 from both sides: x = 6

Solution 2:

Add 6 to both sides: z = 14

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