Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities

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2.1C: Solving One-Step Equations

Solving linear equations is just a matter of undoing operations that are being done to the
variable. The task is always to isolate the variable -- get the variable ALONE on one side
of the equal sign.

Remember when solving equations to "keep the equation

balanced" by making the same changes to BOTH sides of the
equal sign.

Properties of Equality

An equation can be changed into an equivalent equation by:

 adding the same quantity to, or subtracting the same quantity from, both sides.
 multiplying or dividing both sides by the same nonzero quantity.

 Interchanging the two sides, as when 4=x is rewritten as x=4.

Isolating a Variable in One Step

An equation in which the variable is involved in only one arithmetic operation can be
solved in one step by performing the inverse of that arithmetic operation on both sides of
the equation. Inverse operations are operations that undo each other. Addition and
subtraction are inverse operations as are multiplication and division. Performing the
same inverse operation on both sides of the equation insures that the equality or
“balance” of the two sides is not disturbed.

Example 1: In a simple equation, you may only have to undo one operation to solve the
equation.

Solve this equation for x: x+3=8

The variable is x and we need to get it alone.
In the problem, 3 is being added to the variable, x+3=8
so to get rid of the added 3, we do the opposite ---- -3 -3
subtract 3. x =5
 Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities
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2.1C: Solving One-Step Equations

We are actually employing the additive inverse

property to create a 0 since +3 - 3 = 0. Then the
additive identity is used to get x alone since x + 0
= x.
(Remember to subtract 3 from both sides of
the equation to
"keep the equation
balanced".)
Check your answer: Check:
You will always know if your answer is correct by x+3=8
doing a simple "check" -- substitute your answer 5+3=8
into the original equation and see if the result is 8 = 8 true
true.

Solve: x  7  5

Solve: x  8  3

p
Solve:  1.5
4
Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities
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2.1C: Solving One-Step Equations

Solve:  3y  21

Find the solution set for: b  1.7  5.9

{4.2}
3
Solve for y: y  21
2

If n  0.17 , express n as the quotient of two integers.

100n=17.17171717

-n=0.1717171

99n=17

17
n=
99

Transposing Terms of an Equation

Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities
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2.1C: Solving One-Step Equations

Solving the equation x+8=3 requires subtracting 8 from both sides, which changes the
original equation into x=3-8. Solving the equation x-7=-5 requires adding 7 to both
sides, which produces the equivalent equation x=-5+7. In each case, the number on the
left side of the original equation was moved or transposed to the opposite side simply by
changing its sign. Here are a few more examples:

b  1.7  5.9

y  6  1

3  x 1

Checking Possible Solutions

A number satisfies an equation if the equation is true when the variable is replaced by
that number. To verify a number is an actual solution or root of an equation, check that it
satisfies the original equation.

Determine if x=-3 is a root (solution) of the equation 2 x  13  7

Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities
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2.1C: Solving One-Step Equations