Steps To Solving One-Step Equations

Step 1: Translate the sentence (given problem) into an equation.

Step 2: Look at the side of the equation where the variable is located and
note the operation between the number and the variable.

Step 3: Perform the inverse operation, using the number on the same side
of the equation. Be sure to maintain balance by using the appropriate
property of equality.

Step 4: Solve and get your solution.

Guided Example
In this guided example, you will see the steps above included with the sample problem.
 2

Sample problem: What number decreased by 5 is -3?

Steps for Solving One-Step Equations Work for Sample Problem

Step 1: Translate the sentence into Step 1: W-5=-3

an equation.

Step 2: Look at the side of the
equation where the variable is
located and note the operation
between the number and the
variable.
Step 2: The operation between and
variable and the number is
subtraction. So, the inverse
operation you will perform is
addition.

Step 3: Perform the inverse Step 3: W-5=-3

operation, using the number on the +5 +5
same side of the equation. Be sure
to maintain balance by using the
W =2
appropriate property of equality.

Step 4: Solve and get your Step 4: The solution is 2.

solution.