6/28/23, 2:26 PM Simple Equations - Definition, Concept, Method & Questions

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Simple Equations - Sub Topics

How to Solve Simple Equations?

A simple equation is a mathematical statement consisting of an equal sign (=) and

expressions on either side of it, used to determine the value of an unknown quantity.

Variable
Variable is an unknown number that could have a different numerical value. A variable
has no fixed value.

Example: It is represented by alphabetical letters like x, y, a, b etc.

Constant
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A constant is a value or number that never changes in expression; it’s constantly the
same.

Example: 22, 3, 5 etc.

How to Solve Simple Equations?

Here is an example of how to solve a simple equation:

Example: Solve the equation 3x + 2 = 8.

Solution:

Step 1: Subtract 2 from both sides of the equation

3x + 2 - 2 = 8 - 2
3x = 8 - 2
3x = 6

Step 2: Divide both sides by 3.

3x/3 = 6/3
x = 6/3
x=2

Step 3: Verify the result by substituting back to the original equation.

3x + 2 = 8
3(2) + 2 = 8
6+2=8
8=8

The equation is true, so x = 2 is the solution.

NOTE: Keep in mind that solving equations using the above steps only works when the
equation is a simple equation, if the equation is a complex equation, other methods
such as substitution, elimination or graphing may be used.

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Worksheet of Simple Equations

Solved Questions on Simple Equations

1. Solve the equation 2x + 9 = 19.

a) 2
b) 5
c) 7
d) 9

Answer: b) 5

Explanation: The given equation is 2x + 9 = 19

Transpose 9 to RHS
2x = 19 – 9
2x = 10
Now, divide both sides by 2
2x/2 = 10/2
x=5

Hence, the solution of equation 2x + 9 = 19 is x = 5.

2. The sum of two consecutive even numbers is 86. Find the numbers.

a) 42 and 44
b) 34 and 52
c) 26 and 29
d) 22 and 26

Answer: a) 42 and 44

Explanation: Let us consider the consecutive even numbers as x and x + 2.

Given that the sum of two consecutive even numbers is 86.
x + (x + 2) = 86
x + x + 2 = 86

Transposing 2 from LHS to RHS, we get

2x = 86 – 2

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2x = 84

Dividing both sides by 2 we get

2x/2 = 84/2
x = 42

Hence, the two consecutive numbers are 42 and 44.

3. Write the equation for the following statement. “The sum of four times a number and
5 gives a number five times it”.

a) 4x + 5 = 5
b) 4x + 5 = 1
c) 4x + 5 = 5x
d) 4 + 5x = 5

Answer: c) 4x + 5 = 5x

Explanation: Let the number be x.

Sum of 4x and 5 = 4x + 5
The sum is 5x.

The equation is 4x + 5 = 5x as required.

4. Solve the following equations: 3 (y – 2) = 2(y – 1) – 3

a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3

Answer: b) 1

Explanation: 3 (y – 2) = 2(y – 1) – 3
3y – 6 = 2y – 2 – 3 (Removing the brackets)
3y – 6 = 2y – 5
3y – 2y = 6 – 5 (Transposing 6 to RHS and 2y to LHS)
y=1

Thus y = 1

5. If 5 is added to twice a number, the result is 29. Find the number.

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a) 11
b) 12
c) 13
d) 14

Answer: b) 12

Explanation: Let the required number be x.

According to the question equation will be 2x + 5 = 29;
Solving the equation, we get
2x + 5 = 29
2x = 29 – 5 (Transposing 5 to RHS)
2x = 24
x = 12 (Dividing both sides by 2)
x = 12

Thus, the required number is 12.

Practice Questions on Simple Equations

1. If one-third of a number exceeds its one-fourth by 1, find the number.

a) 11
b) 12
c) 13
d) 14

Answer: b) 12

2. Seven times a number is 12 less than thirteen times the same number. Find the
number.

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer: b) 2

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3. Write the following statement in the form of an equation. ‘One-fourth of a number is 2

more than 5’.

a) (1/4) x = 7
b) 4x = 1/7
c) 1/2x = 2/5
d) 4x = 11

Answer: a) (1/4) x = 7 

4. Solve the following equation. (5z+1)/3 = 7

a) 2
b) 5
c) 4
d) 11

Answer: c) 4

5. Solve for t. 16 = 4 + 3 (t + 2)

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer: b) 2

6. The difference between the two numbers is 12. The ratio of the two numbers is 5:3.
What are the two numbers?

a) 30 and 18
b) 39 and 27
c) 48 and 36
d) 40 and 28

Answer: a) 30 and 18

7. The cost of two tables and three chairs is $780. If the table costs $40 more than the
chair, find the cost of the table and the chair.

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a) $50 and $90

b) $100 and $140
c) $150 and $190
d) $180 and $140

Answer: d) $180 and $140

8. Soniya’s father is 4 times as old as Soniya. After 5 years, father will be three times as
old as Soniya. Find their present ages.

a) 20 and 80
b) 10 and 40
c) 12 and 48
d) 11 and 44

Answer: b) 10 and 40

9. 19 − 3(b−7) = b + 2(b + 5)

a) 20
b) 12
c) 16
d) 5

Answer: d) 5

10. Solve for z: 3(5z + 3) = 2(7z+8)

a) 5
b) 7
c) 6
d) 8

Answer: b) 7

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