Solving One-Step Equations Made Easy

Year 6 Mathematics UK National Curriculum Interactive Learning Session

What is an Equation?

An equation is like a balance scale Both sides must be equal The equals sign (=) means 'the same as' Example: 5 + 3 = 8

What Makes an Equation 'One-Step'?

Only ONE operation is used Addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division Examples: x + 4 = 10, y - 3 = 7, 2z = 14 We can solve it in just one step!

Remember This!

Whatever you do to one side of an equation, you must do to the other side to keep it balanced.

Solving Addition Equations

Your Turn: Addition Equations

Solve these equations: a) x + 8 = 15 b) y + 12 = 20 c) z + 6 = 14 Remember to subtract from both sides!

Solving Different Types of One-Step Equations

{"left":"Addition: x + 5 = 12 → Subtract 5 from both sides\nSubtraction: y - 3 = 8 → Add 3 to both sides","right":"Multiplication: 3z = 15 → Divide both sides by 3\nDivision: w ÷ 4 = 5 → Multiply both sides by 4"}

Quick Check!

If we have the equation 4x = 20, what operation should we use to solve for x? A) Add 4 to both sides B) Subtract 4 from both sides C) Divide both sides by 4 D) Multiply both sides by 4

Mixed Practice Challenge

Solve these equations: 1) x - 7 = 15 2) 5y = 25 3) z ÷ 3 = 8 4) w + 9 = 17 Show your working for each step!

Key Learning Points

Equations show that two expressions are equal One-step equations need only one operation to solve Always use inverse operations Do the same thing to both sides Check your answer by substituting back