One and Two Step Equations Using Opposite Operations

When working to get the variable isolated and all alone, use the opposites rule. Opposites Rule – to get rid of a term from either side of an equation, just do the opposite operation.

1. C + 3 = 5 Variable Mark the variable then leave it alone. Move everything away from the variable. - 3 C = 2 2. m - 3 = 5 +3 = 8 m Variable

3. P + (-12) = -5 “fix” double signs first P – 12 = P= 7 4. Y - (-6) = 3 Y + 6 = Y= -3 “fix” double signs first

5. X = X= X – (-28) = - 48 X + 28 = X = - 76

7. 9x = 45 This reads 9 times x So use the opposite. Divide both sides by x= m = m = 7

This is a division Problem, use Multiplication to solve it k (8) = 48 Now Divide By k = (-5) = x 55

Let’s try a problem. 8x + 5 = 61 This problem has addition, so we need to subtract first. - 5 Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. 8x 56=

Now, Step 2. 8x = 56 This problem has multiplication, so we need to divide now. Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. 88 x = 7

Let’s try another problem. 3a - 8 = 4 This problem has subtraction, so we need to add first. + 8 Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. 3a 12=

Now, Step 2. 3a = 12 This problem has multiplication, so we need to divide now. Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. 33 a = 4

Let’s try another problem. z + 2 = 26 6 This problem has addition, so we need to subtract first. - 2 Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. 24 = z6z6

Now, Step 2. This problem has division, so we need to multiply now. Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. z = 144 z =

Let’s try one more problem. m - 10 = 15 5 This problem has subtraction, so we need to add first. +10 Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. 25 = m5m5

Now, Step 2. This problem has division, so we need to multiply now. Whatever we do on one side, we have to do on the other. m = 125 m =