One-Step Equations: Practice at Home, Grade 7

An equation says two things are equal, and solving it means finding the value of the letter that makes it true. In Grades 6 and 7, one-step equations with addition and subtraction are a first step toward algebra.

What your child is working on

For x + 7 = 15, subtract 7 from both sides: x = 15 − 7 = 8. For x − 4 = 10, add 4 to both sides: x = 14. Check by putting the answer back in.

Try it at home

Use a balance picture. Draw a seesaw with a box marked “x” and 7 small blocks on one side, and 15 blocks on the other. To find x, take 7 blocks from both sides so the seesaw stays level. What is left is x.

You can try it with a homemade balance (a ruler resting on a pencil): put a mystery bag plus 3 equal weights on one side and 10 of the same weights on the other, and ask how many weights the bag is worth.

Where children slip

Doing the operation on one side only. Whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other, or the balance tips.

Practice online

Use the free One-step equations: add and subtract page. The next steps are on the Grade 7 skills list.