Elvira’s Equations

Learning Focus

Solve linear equations with clear inverse-operation steps and check solutions.

Big idea

Equations stay balanced when you do the same operation to both sides. Undo operations in reverse order.

Worked example

Solve $3x-7=11$:

1. Add 7: $3x=18$
2. Divide by 3: $x=6$
3. Check: $3(6)-7=11$ ✓

Takeaways

• Distribute and combine like terms before isolating.
• Always substitute back to verify.