Solving One-Step Equations Made Easy
Year 5 Mathematics UK National Curriculum Learning to balance equations step by step
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 is a One-Step Equation?
Contains one unknown number (usually x) Needs only ONE operation to solve Examples: x + 4 = 9 Examples: x - 2 = 5 Examples: 3x = 12
The Golden Rule: Keep It Balanced!
Whatever you do to one side... ...you MUST do to the other side This keeps the equation balanced Think of it like a see-saw!
Solving Addition Equations
Example: x + 4 = 9 To get x alone, subtract 4 from both sides x + 4 - 4 = 9 - 4 x = 5 Check: 5 + 4 = 9 ✓
Try It Yourself: Addition
Solve: x + 6 = 10 Remember: subtract 6 from both sides What does x equal? Check your answer!
Solving Subtraction Equations
Example: x - 3 = 7 To get x alone, add 3 to both sides x - 3 + 3 = 7 + 3 x = 10 Check: 10 - 3 = 7 ✓
Solving Multiplication Equations
Example: 3x = 12 This means 3 × x = 12 To get x alone, divide both sides by 3 3x ÷ 3 = 12 ÷ 3 x = 4 Check: 3 × 4 = 12 ✓
Mixed Practice Challenge
Solve these equations: a) x + 5 = 12 b) x - 4 = 6 c) 2x = 14 Work with a partner!
Remember
'Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding.' - William Paul Thurston