Solving One-Step Linear Equations

Some linear equations can be solved with a single operation. For this type of equation, use the inverse operation to solve.

Example 1:

Solve for n.

n + 8 = 10

The inverse operation of addition is subtraction. So, subtract 8 from both sides.

n + 8 – 8 = 10 – 8

n = 2

Example 2:

Solve for y.

(3/4)y = 15

The inverse operation of multiplication is division. So, divide both sides by 3/4 (which is the same as multiplying by 4/3).

(4/3)(3/4)y = (4/3)15

y = 20