Lesson 3: Inverse Operations
To solve a one-step equation, undo the operation.
Addition: x + 5 = 11
Undo +5 by subtracting 5.
x = 6
Undo +5 by subtracting 5.
x = 6
Subtraction: x - 8 = 14
Undo -8 by adding 8.
x = 22
Undo -8 by adding 8.
x = 22
Multiplication: 4x = 24
Undo ×4 by dividing by 4.
x = 6
Undo ×4 by dividing by 4.
x = 6
Division: x ÷ 9 = 5
Undo ÷9 by multiplying by 9.
x = 45
Undo ÷9 by multiplying by 9.
x = 45