How to Solve One-Step Equations

Are your students learning how to use addition and subtraction to determine the value of a variable? Let’s take a quick look at how to solve addition and subtraction one-step equations.

To solve a one-step equation, you need to isolate the variable on one side of the equation. 

• Start with the equation you need to solve.
• If there are any numbers on the same side as the variable, move them to the other side of the equation by performing the inverse operation. For example, if you have “x + 5 = 10,” subtract 5 from both sides to get “x = 5.”
• Check your solution by substituting the value you found back into the original equation and verifying if it satisfies the equation.

Teach Starter has created a self-checking interactive game to help your students strengthen their understanding of how to solve one-step equations. Students will work their way through 24 problems that use whole numbers, decimals and fractions with a single variable.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this interactive game to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by assigning only the whole number questions first. Additionally, invite students to reference posters or anchor charts reminding them of how to add and subtract decimals and fractions if needed.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students that are ready for an additional challenge, encourage students to create word problems for 5 of the equations. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the Download button to access this resource’s interactive Google Slides version. 

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

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

One-Step Equations (Addition and Subtraction) – Math Mazes

Practice solving one-step equations with whole numbers, decimals, and mixed numbers while working through a set of 3 math mazes.

teaching resource

One-Step Equations (Addition and Subtraction) – Board Game

Use addition and subtraction skills to solve one-step equations with a fun board game.

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One-Step Equations (Addition and Subtraction) – Task Cards

Add and subtract whole numbers, decimals, and fractions to solve one-step equations with a single variable with this set of 24 task cards.