An [b]equation[/b] is a mathematical sentence that includes an equal sign to compare two [b]expressions[/b].

Your goal in solving one-step equations is to isolate the variable in the equation.[br][br][b]This means that you want to get the letter by itself on one side of the equation, and all of the numbers on the opposite side.[/b]

[list][*]When you solve an equation, your goal is to get the [b]variable[/b] alone by itself on [b]one side[/b] of the equation.[/*][*]When you are solving for a variable, you MUST use [b]inverse operations[/b] to get the variable by itself.[/*][*]Whatever you do to [b]one side[/b] of an equation, you must do to the [b]other side[/b] of the equation. In other words, you must keep the equation [b]balanced[/b].[/*][/list]

The [u]opposite[/u] of [i]adding 23[/i]: [b]subtracting 23[br][/b][br]The [u]opposite[/u] of [i]subtracting 18[/i]: [b]adding 18[br][/b][br]The [u]opposite[/u] of [i]multiplying by -15[/i]: [b]Dividing by -15[br][/b][br]The [u]opposite[/u] of [i]dividing by 8[/i]: [b]multiplying by 8[/b]

Try these one-step equations on your own.