> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.esheets.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Solving one-step equations
- URL: https://www.esheets.io/solving-one-step-equations/
- Published: 2025-06-07T12:56:52.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-21T17:23:51.000Z
- Author: Richard Linnington
- Tags: Maths, Algebra

Solving one-step equations is like unlocking a puzzle with a single move—just one mathematical operation stands between you and the answer. Whether you're dividing up a bill or adjusting a recipe, this skill helps you quickly figure out the missing value in everyday situations. [Jump to the questions](#practise-now)

## Practise now

Worksheet preview and key skills 

### Worksheet preview

Practise solving one-step equations with this self-marking maths worksheet.

The interactive worksheet below generates questions, gives instant feedback, and lets students record their score.

#### What you’ll practise

- Identifying the operation applied to the unknown.
- Using the inverse operation.
- Keeping the equation balanced.
- Checking the solution.

Use the interactive worksheet below, or read the [Topic guide](#topic-guide) for the method and worked example.

Solve for the variable in each of the following equations. Simply type the number.

## Topic guide

### What this worksheet practises

This worksheet practises solving simple algebraic equations in a single step. The goal of solving any equation is to find the value of the unknown letter by getting it on its own on one side of the equals sign.

### Key method

To solve a one-step equation, you must perform the inverse (opposite) operation to both sides of the equation. This keeps the equation balanced.

- If a number is being added, subtract it from both sides.
- If a number is being subtracted, add it to both sides.
- If the letter is multiplied by a number (like 3x), divide both sides by that number.
- If the letter is divided by a number (like x/4), multiply both sides by that number.

### Worked example

**Solve the equation: x + 7 = 12**

Step 1: Identify the operation happening to x. Here, 7 is being added.

Step 2: Apply the inverse operation. Subtract 7 from both sides.

x + 7 − 7 = 12 − 7

Step 3: Simplify to find the answer.

x = 5

### How to check your answer

You can easily verify your answer by substituting it back into the original equation. In the example above, replace x with 5 to get 5 + 7 = 12\. Since this is a true statement, you know your answer is completely correct.