Solving One-Step Equations Worksheet

All students know that math involves working with numbers, fractions, decimals, etc. As they enter intermediate and middle school, they start to learn that these numbers can be represented by a letter, otherwise known as a variable. 

If this is your first time teaching 6th-grade math, or perhaps you are in need of a quick refresher, you have come to the right place!

When teaching your students about one-step equations, the important thing to remember is that in order to solve the equation, you must move the variable to one side of the equal side, and it must be by itself. This can be done by using inverse operations.

Let’s take a look at a quick example:

m + 7 = 26

With this equation, we needed to get the variable, m, by itself on one side of the equation. We can do this by “undoing” the operation on the left side of the equal sign. Simply subtract 7 from both sides, and you will get your answer, m = 19.

Students must solve 12 standard practice questions and 3 word problems with this worksheet. Students will use their understanding of adding and subtracting whole numbers, fractions, and decimals to determine the value of each variable.

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy! 

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

In addition to independent student work time, use this worksheet as an activity for:

• Guided math groups
• Lesson warm-up
• Lesson wrap-up
• Fast finishers 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

If there are students who need a bit of a challenge, consider using the editable version to make the numbers more challenging (maybe your students are ready to work with negative numbers).

For students who need a bit more practice with this skill, it may be helpful to model how simple one-step equations look with drawings and representations. Using a balance scale model is helpful to show students that the goal is to make the two sides equal.

🖨️ Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete.

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardstock and slipping it into a dry-erase sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks. 

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This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and a Teach Starter Collaborator.