Solving One-Step Linear Equations: Addition

Sometimes you can solve linear equations with just one operation, such as addition. The proper way to perform the solution to these types of equations is to use inverse operations.

What are inverse operations?

The inverse, or opposite, of an operation is that operation which gets you back to the number you started with.

Example 1

For example, if you started with the number 8, and then add 7, you get:

$8+7=15$

To get back to 8, you have to subtract 7 back from 15:

$15-7=8$

Addition and subtraction are inverse operations. You can "undo" addition by using subtraction.

Solving one-step addition equations

To solve for a number x in an addition equation, we must use the inverse operation of addition as follows.

Example 2

$x+6=9$

To isolate x, subtract 6 from each side.

$x+6-6=9-6$

$x=3$

Now let's check to make sure the answer is correct. If so, our addition problem will make sense.

$3+6=9$

Since that is a true statement, we have performed the operation successfully.

Practice solving one-step addition equations

1. $x+7=18$

$x+7=18$

$x+7-7=18-7$

$x=11$

2. $x+137=273$

$x+137=273$

$x+137-137=273-137$

$x=136$

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Get help learning about solving one-step linear equations with addition

Performing inverse operations to solve one-step linear addition equations can prove tricky to some students. If your student needs help catching on to the operations, have them meet with a math tutor who can walk them through the problems, step by step, until they understand how to do them every time. A tutor will work at your student's pace, slowing down and taking extra time when a concept is especially challenging to them and speeding through concepts that they catch onto quickly. A tutor can also learn your student's learning style and use tutoring methods that complement it. If you want to find out how tutoring can help your student master one-step linear addition equations, contact Varsity Tutors today and speak with one of our friendly Educational Directors.