Key points about one- and two-step linear equations
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- Solving an A mathematical statement showing that two expressions are equal. The expressions are linked with the symbol =. means finding the value of an unknown A quantity that can take on a range of values, often represented by a letter, eg π, π₯, π¦, π§, π‘ β¦ etc. so that the equation is true.
- Equations are solved by using The opposite of a mathematical process. For example, the inverse of Γ 5 is Γ· 5. The inverse operation undoes the original process.Β .
- Equations such as π₯ β 5 = 12 need one step to solve. Equations such as 3π₯ + 8 = 15 need two steps.
Make sure you are confident in calculating with negative numbers, which is a skill often needed to solve equations.
Check your understanding
Solving equations with one step
An equation is a mathematical statement showing that two A mathematical sentence made up of one or more terms expressed either numerically or symbolically. are equal. It includes an equals (=) sign, and an unknown An unknown value, usually represented by a letter such as π or π., usually the letter π₯.
Solving an equation is the process of working out the value of π₯.
To solve an equation, The opposite of a mathematical process, eg, the inverse of Γ 5 is Γ· 5. The inverse operation undoes the original process. are performed on both sides until the value for π₯ is known.
The simplest equations have just one inverse operation to perform.
Follow the working out below
Exam style questions
- Solve π€ β 8 = β2.
π€ = 6
To solve the equation, do the inverse operation. The inverse of subtracting 8 is adding 8. Adding 8 to both sides gives the solution π€ = 6.
- Solve 12π = 3.
π = \(\frac{1}{4}\)
To solve the equation, do the inverse operation. The inverse of multiplying by 12 is dividing by 12. A fraction line can be used to show βdivide byβ. Simplify the fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by 3.
Game - One step equations
Practise your solving one step equation skills with these questions from our Divided Islands maths game.
