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Solve Simple Equations Using the Inverse Method

In this worksheet, students will solve equations of the form ax + b = c using the inverse method.

'Solve Simple Equations Using the Inverse Method' worksheet

Key stage:  KS 3

Year:  Year 7 Maths worksheets

Curriculum topic:   Algebra

Curriculum subtopic:   Understand Expressions, Equations, Inequalities, Terms and Factors

Difficulty level:  

Worksheet Overview

In this activity, we will learn how to solve equations by using the inverse method.

 

Letters are used to represent numbers in algebra.

In an equation, one letter represents just one value.

 

Example

3x + 4 = 13.

Here, we have started with the unknown value x, multiplied it by 3 and added 4 to get the result 13.

 

Method

To find out what the unknown value is, we must unravel the equation by working backwards, using inverses.

 

We always deal with the thing that is not with the 'x', so to get rid of the + 4 we subtract 4 from both sides.

3x + 4 - 4 = 13 - 4

3x = 9

 

Now, divide both sides by 3 so that we have the x by itself.

3x ÷ 3 = 9 ÷ 3

x = 3

 

The answer x = 3 will work if you substitute it back into the equation.


3 × 3 + 4 = 13.

9 + 4 = 13

13 = 13

So x = 3 is the correct answer!

 

Are you ready to have a go at solving some equations?

 

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