Solving One-Step Equations
Aligned to 6.EE.B.7 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

What this lesson teaches
An equation is a balance. Whatever you do to one side, do to the other. To isolate the variable, undo the operation with its inverse.
Worked examples
Example 1
x + 5 = 12 → subtract 5 from both sides → x = 7. Check: 7 + 5 = 12. ✓
Example 2
4x = 20 → divide both sides by 4 → x = 5. Check: 4 × 5 = 20. ✓
Example 3
x/3 = 7 → multiply both sides by 3 → x = 21. Whatever you do to one side, do to the other.
Practice questions
- Solve x − 4 = 9.
- Solve 3x = 21.
- Solve x/2 = 6 and check your answer.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Resolución de Ecuaciones de Un Paso
Una ecuación es como una balanza. Lo que hagas de un lado, debes hacerlo del otro. Para despejar la variable, deshaz la operación usando su operación inversa.
Ejemplo 1: x + 5 = 12 → resta 5 a ambos lados → x = 7. Comprobación: 7 + 5 = 12. ✓
Ejemplo 2: 4x = 20 → divide ambos lados entre 4 → x = 5. Comprobación: 4 × 5 = 20. ✓
Ejemplo 3: x/3 = 7 → multiplica ambos lados por 3 → x = 21. Lo que le haces a un lado, hazlo al otro.
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