Lesson · M.1.4
Solving one-variable equations
How to isolate a variable using inverse operations, with the checking step that confirms the answer before you move on.
ObjectiveM.1.4Read2 minExam weightNumbers and Algebra ≈ 53% of Mathematics
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See editions and pricing →What you will be able to do
- Identify variable terms, constants, and coefficients within an equation.
- Isolate a variable using inverse operations in a fixed sequence.
- Check a solved equation by substituting the answer back into the original.
What the lesson concludes
- Identify the variable terms, the constants, and the coefficients before you start moving anything.
- Undo an operation with its inverse: subtraction cancels addition, division cancels multiplication.
- Gather variable terms on one side and constants on the other, then isolate the variable with one last inverse operation.
- Always substitute your answer back into the original equation to confirm both sides are equal.