Undo whatever is happening to the variable to find its value.
Read this first — it covers the idea in plain language with a worked example.
An equation says two things are equal. To solve for the variable, undo the operation attached to it by doing the opposite to BOTH sides. Addition is undone by subtraction, multiplication by division.
Solve x + 7 = 15
Substitute your answer back into the original equation. If both sides match, you got it right.
Tip
Whatever you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other — that keeps it balanced.
Watch the main video, then check the second take if you want another explanation.
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide both sides to isolate x.
Watch on YouTubeTry a worksheet or work through some problems before the quiz.
Mixed practice solving equations and inequalities.
A couple of questions to make sure this topic stuck. Retake as many times as you want.
One-Step Equations
Solve for x: x + 7 = 12
