Solving simple equations with one operation (e.g., a + 7 = 15, 3b = 24) using inverse operations.
Where your child meets this in real life: Finding missing values, solving real-world problems algebraically
SEAGReady breaks solve one-step equations into 2 steps, taught in order so each skill builds on the last.
Solve equations involving addition or subtraction (e.g., a + 7 = 15, b - 3 = 10) using inverse operations
Solve equations involving multiplication or division (e.g., 3b = 24, c / 4 = 5) using inverse operations
Three free sample questions from our solve one-step equations course. Every question comes with a full explanation, and hints that guide without giving the answer away.
Sean has some money saved. He receives £7 for helping his neighbour and now has £19 altogether. The equation is: s + 7 = 19. How much money did Sean have before?
Answer: A. s = £12
To find s, we undo the +7 by subtracting 7. s + 7 = 19 Subtract 7 from both sides: 19 - 7 = 12 So s = £12
Stuck? Start here: What operation do you see in the equation? What is the opposite of that operation?
Ciara buys 3 identical notebooks. She pays £15 in total. How much does each notebook cost? Solve: 3n = 15
Answer: B. n = £5
3n means 3 times n. To find n, we undo the x3 by dividing by 3. 3n = 15 Divide by 3: 15 / 3 = 5 So n = £5
Stuck? Start here: 3n means 3 times the cost of one notebook. What operation undoes multiplication?
Niamh thinks of a number. She adds 8 to it and gets 20. What was her number? Solve: n + 8 = 20
Answer: B. n = 12
To find n, we undo the +8 by subtracting 8. n + 8 = 20 Subtract 8: 20 - 8 = 12 So n = 12
Stuck? Start here: The equation shows +8. What operation undoes addition?
This is the exact interactive worked example your child sees in SEAGReady. Step through it and watch the method build up.
Aoife has some money saved. She receives £9 for her birthday and now has £23 altogether.
How much money did Aoife have before her birthday?
a + 9 = 23
Step 1 of 4
Aoife has some money saved. She receives £9 for her birthday and now has £23 altogether.
How much money did Aoife have before her birthday?
Aoife had £14 saved before her birthday.
The key insight: To find the unknown, do the opposite operation - subtraction undoes addition!
Watch out: Adding 9 instead: a = 23 + 9 = 32. We need to undo the +9, so we subtract 9, not add it.
These are the misconceptions we see most often in solve one-step equations, including the ones our practice questions are specifically designed to catch.
Struggling with solve one-step equations? The real gap is often in one of these earlier topics.
SEAGReady finds the exact step where your child gets stuck, teaches it with worked examples like the one above, and brings it back for review so it sticks.