These one step equation worksheets will help students form a solid foundation for learning more advanced algebra. Teachers make sure to print these out for your students to learn how to solve for a single variable in different algebraic expressions. Each set of worksheets has single step practice problems that use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and both positive and negative numbers have been included. The problems that you will see here focus on combining two items in the equation. You need to just focus on dissecting each equation and its parts as you work through everything. This is usually the primer to get students to start to crack into the concept of basic algebra.
Print One Step Equations Worksheets
Click the buttons to print each worksheet and associated answer key.
One Step Equations Worksheet 1
There are 10 problems for you to work on here with this skill. Solve for x in each problem. Example: x + 9 = 16
Worksheet 2
Remember to counter the operations that are present in the problem with the exact opposite operation. Then you should be good to go. Example: x / 5 = 2 (Counter division with multiplication).
Equations Containing Negatives Worksheet 1
These problems can be solved in one step. These are slightly more advanced problems, but at their core they are the same level of difficulty. Use your imagination! Example: - 5 + x = - 13
Worksheet 2
Now you want to counter a counter. Know the rules of integer based operations helps a great deal with these problems. Example: - 20 = x - 9 (Addition will always combat subtraction.)
Negatives Worksheet 3
These lessons and worksheets will help your students learn and practice how to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division equations that have one variable in them.
(Easy) Solving Equations Worksheet 1
The numbers just happen to nicely fit together. Here is an example problem: 4x = 28.
Easy Worksheet 2
If students are having trouble, these are the one step equation you want them practicing with. Example: x + 9 = 16. Just subtract 9 from both sides.
Easy Worksheet 3
Just break out the multiplication symbols and they will get straightened up quickly. Example: x / 6 = 2
Simple Worksheet 4
We are solely focused on a single variable with these equations. The whole goal is to get the variable all alone by itself. Example: x + 10 = 14
Meet the Skill: Equations with Two Variables
We thought it would be important to include worksheets for the next level here too. Solve for y and find three ordered pairs that are solutions to the given equation and using those, graph the equation: y = 3 - x
Equations with Two Variables Homework Sheet
These problems make students think at a higher level. The types of problems you will see: Find three ordered pairs that are solutions to the given equation. 2x + y = 2.
Advance Practice Worksheet
For each of these 10 problems, solve for y and find three ordered pairs that are solutions to the given equations. Then graph the equations using your answer.
More Advanced Worksheet
This particular sheet is specifically for advanced learners. The problems include: Solve for y and find solutions to the given equations and using those, graph the equations.
Time To Showoff
8 Problems to let them know where they stand with this skill. This can also be used as a quiz for this skill.
Completed Problems Sheet
Find three ordered pairs that are solutions to the given equation. Example: 2x - 5y = 2
How to Solve One-Step Equations
An equation is a math statement that presents two equal values. We will often work with equation that have an unknown value which we often call a variable. For example: x - 2 = 8. In this example x is the variable or the unknown. To solve your basic equation, you need to find the value of this variable. We can do this by finding a value for the variable that would make the overall math statement be true. Going back to our original equation: x - 2 = 8. We will need to find the value for x that would make this true. So, we are looking for a way to make the left side of the equation equal to 8. We can ask ourselves what value, when subtracted by 2, gives us 8. We can also just reverse the operation on the left to get x by itself. This would have us add 2 to both sides. When we add 8 and 2 we get a sum of 10. When we work through problems that only require us to make one move, we call these single step algebraic equations.
As the name suggests, a one-step equation is an equation that can be solved in a single step. Since algebra is all about working with equations, you will often have to determine the value represented by a variable. Hence, it is after finding it that you can prove the equation to be true.
Method 1: Addition or Subtraction
Step 1: Write the Equation Down
A typical equation usually consists of a variable. For instance:
x-10 = 5
Here, the variable is x. However, the value it represents is unknown to us. This brings us to the next step.
Step 2: Find a Way to Isolate the Variable
In order to isolate it, you must bring it to one side of the equation by applying an inverse operation. Here's what it means. In the equation x-10 = 5, bringing 10 on the other side of the equation entails that the sign will be reversed. So, if it was previously being subtracted, it will now be added to 5.
x = 5 + 10
When you add 5 to 10, the result is 15. Hence:
x = 15
Step 3: Add or Subtract from Both Sides of the Equation
Another way to find the value of the variable is by adding or subtracting the constant on both sides of the equation. Here's how.
Original equation: x - 10 = 5
Adding on both sides: x - 10 + 10 = 5 + 10
Here, you attempt to keep both sides of the equation balanced. What you do on one side should also be repeated on the other side.
Since -10 + 10 on the left side of the equation cancels itself out, you're left with:
x = 5 + 10
Or
x = 15
Method 2: Multiplication or Division
Again, the variable here should represent an unknown value. However, this time, the equation might also include a coefficient or a number that needs to be multiplied by the variable.
For example 3x = 18
Step 1: Apply the Reverse Operation
Isolating the variable requires you to move 3 on the other side of the equation. This means it will now be divided by 18. Here's how:
x = 18/3
Or
x = 6
Step 2: Divide or Multiply on Both Sides of the Equation
Similar to the first example, you will be required to keep both sides of the equation balanced.
Since 3 is being multiplied by x, you must reverse the operation and keep both sides balanced. Here's how:
3x = 18
3x/3 = 18/3
On the left side of the equation, x will be left isolated once the "3s" cancel each other out.
x = 18/3
Or
x = 6
Method 3: Fraction Equations
x/4 = 4
Step 1: Apply the Reverse Operation
Here, since x is being divided by 4, reversing the operation entails that the variable will be isolated, and 4 will be moved to the other side of the equation. Here's how:
x/4 = 4
Or
x = 4x4
Or
x = 16
Our Final Thoughts
Now that we've dug deeper into how to solve one-step equations, it's safe to conclude that they're by far the easiest equations to solve. Through principles like "reverse operation" and "balancing each side," finding the values of the variables has turned out to be more interesting than ever. Remember, algebra is as enticing of a subject as you would like it to be. Through practice and adequate resources at hand, solving them can turn out to be your favorite pastime activity. In the end, make sure to double-check your solutions before submission.