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DigiTransact Mastermind
Maths•Algebra

Solve one-step equations

Junior High 8 questions
AI-drafted from platform data — specialist review scheduledBy DigiTransact Mastermind editorial teamLast updated
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What solve one-step equations means

You use this skill to find the value of an unknown in a simple equation. It helps you work out missing numbers quickly and prepares you for harder algebra later.

What you will practise

  • Work out the missing value in an equation with addition
  • Undo subtraction by adding the same number to both sides
  • Undo multiplication by dividing both sides equally
  • Check your answer by putting it back into the equation

Before you start

You should know basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts. You should also understand that both sides of an equation must stay equal.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Solve for x: x + 7 = 15

Answer: 8

Working: Subtract 7 from both sides: x = 15 - 7 = 8.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Changing only one side of the equation. Always do the same operation to both sides.
  • Using the wrong inverse operation. Match addition with subtraction, and multiplication with division.
  • Making sign errors when solving subtraction questions. Read the equation carefully before you start.
  • Forgetting to check the answer. Substitute your value back to see if both sides are equal.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 7 to 9 syllabusBECE

This normally comes early in Junior High School algebra, after learners meet expressions and before they move to equations with more than one step. It supports the kind of reasoning needed for BECE algebra questions.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.

Related skills

Other Algebra skills in Maths, at the same point in the course.

Other Maths topics

Counting with PicturesPicture Addition & SubtractionEarly NumeracyNumber BasicsSHS Core MathematicsUniversity Mathematics

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Exams that assess solve one-step equations

Junior High work on this skill feeds directly into these exam papers. Each page lists the Maths topics that appear on it.

BECEBECE practice questionsFree BECE practice across the subjects at this stage, with worked answers.GESGES practice questionsFree GES practice across the subjects at this stage, with worked answers.WASSCEWASSCE practice questionsListed as a related subject on the WASSCE practice page.

How this page was produced

This text was drafted with AI assistance from the questions and topics already stored on the platform. A subject-specialist review is scheduled but has not yet been recorded, so we do not claim it here.

Written by
DigiTransact Mastermind editorial team
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Practise solve one-step equations

8 questions with a worked answer after every attempt, and a SmartScore that tracks how close you are to mastery.

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