JobTestPrep's Numeracy Review

Single Variable
Equations
Table of contents

What is an equation? 3

The Equation Properties 4

Equation Solving Steps 5

Learn through Practice 5

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What is an equation?
An equation is a mathematical statement which claims that two expressions, from two
sides of an equality sign have the same value. An example of an equation is 6 - 4 = 2.

One of the terms in an equation may not be known and needs to be determined. Often this
unknown term is represented by a letter such as X. (e.g. x - 4 = 2). In mathematics X and
similar notations are called unknowns/variables.

The Equation Properties

'Solving equations' means finding the value of the unknown. To find the value of X we use
the two basic equation properties which say:

1. The two sides of an equation remain equal if the same number is added/subtracted
to/from each side.
2. The two sides of an equation remain equal if both sides are multiplied/divided by
the same number.

Any number within the equation, including any unknown, is subject to regular properties
of real numbers and order of operations.

Equation Solving Steps

The equations you'll find in this practice, having only a single unknown, are termed Single
Variable Equations.
There are four basic steps for solving such equations:

1. Combine like terms – combining all the terms that contain the unknown into a
single term.

2. Isolate the terms that contain the variable you wish to solve for.
Use the Properties of Addition/Subtraction, and/or Multiplication/Division in order
to isolate the terms containing the unknown in one side of the equation.

3. Find the value of the unknown.

Use the Properties of Addition/Subtraction, and/or Multiplication/Division in order
to express the value of the unknown using the terms from the other side of the
equation.

4. Substitute your answer into the original equation and check that it works.
Every answer should be checked to be sure it is correct. After substituting the
answer into the original equation, be sure the equality holds true.

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Learn through Practice

Let's work through some examples in order to learn through practice.

Example 1:

5x - 3x = 13 – 7 Combine like terms

(5-3)x = 6
2x = 6 The term containing x is already
x=3 isolated.
Find the value of the unknown:
Divide both sides by 2.
x=3
5*3 – 3*3 = 13 – 7 Now substitute x=3 into the original
15-9 = 6 equation
6=6

Example 2:

6(2x – 5) - 5x = 2x – 7 + 2 Combine like terms.

12x – 30 – 5x = 2x – 7 + 2 Start by multiplying out the
(12-5)x – 30 = 2x -5 brackets;
7x – 30 = 2x - 5
Add/Subtract like terms.
7x – 30 + 30 = 2x – 5 + 30 Isolate the term containing x in one
7x – 2x = 2x – 2x + 25 side of the equation:
(7-2)x = (2-2)x + 25 Add 30 to each side of the equation;
5x = 25
Subtract 2x from each side of the
equation
(5/5)x = 25/5 Find the value of the unknown:
x=5 Divide both sides by 5.
6(2*5 – 5) -5*5 = 2*5 – 7 + 2 Now substitute x=5 into the original
6(10-5) – 25 = 10 – 5 equation
6*5 – 25 = 5
30 – 25 = 5
5=5

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Example 3:

Combine like terms.

In this case, it is important to simplify the
equation:
Find a common denominator – it is '6'.
Leave the equation written without the
denominator, as if both sides were
multiplied by 6.
2x + 1 = 2
2x + 1 – 1 = 2 – 1 Isolate the term containing x in one side of
2x = 1 the equation:
Subtract 1 from each side of the equation
x = 1/2 Find the value of the unknown:
Divide both sides by 2.
Now substitute x=1/2 into the original
equation

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Example 4:

Simplify the equation

Find a common denominator – it is '15x'.
[more about finding common denominators
in our fractions review]
Leave the equation written without the
denominator, as if both sides were
multiplied by 15x.

5x - 5 = 6x Isolate the term containing x in one side of

5x – 5x – 5 = 6x – 5x the equation:
-5 = x Subtract 5x from each side of the equation
X = -5
The unknown is found
Now substitute x=(-5) into the original
equation

Good Luck!

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