1. Solving Equations Performing inverse operations on both sides (Involves backtracking)

2. Find the value of x in x + 5 = 12 Step 1. to find x, you must remove the + 5 by doing the inverse (opposite) operation on both sides of the = sign X + 5 – 5 = 12 – 5 X = 7

3. Backtracking x + 5 = 12 X X + 5 = 7 = 12 + 5 - 5 When backtracking, you firstly show how to make the equation in the top boxes, and then show the inverse operation in the answer boxes

4. Find the value of x in 2x + 3 = 7 Step 1. remove the + 3 (by performing the inverse operation on both sides) 2x + 3 – 3 = 7 – 3 2x = 4 Step 2. remove the x 2 2x = 4 is the same as 2 × x = 4 or x × 2 = 4 x × 2 ÷ 2 = 4 ÷ 2 x = 2

5. Backtracking 2x + 3 = 7 x 2x 2x + 3 = 2= 4= 7 × 2× 2 + 3 - 3 ÷ 2

6. Solve the following equation a + 5 = 7 3 Step 1. rewrite the equation as a ÷ 3 + 5 = 7 Step 2. perform the inverse operations a ÷ 3 + 5 – 5 = 7 – 5 a ÷ 3 = 2 a ÷ 3 × 3 = 2 × 3 a = 6

7. Backtracking a + 5 = 7 3 aa3a3 a + 5 3 = 6= 2= 7 ÷ 3 + 5 - 5 × 3