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Solving One-Step Linear Equations

Some linear equations can be solved with a single operation. For this type of equation, use theinverse operationto solve.

Example 1:

Solve for n .

n + 8 < 10

The inverse operation of addition is subtraction. So, subtract 8 from both sides.

n + 8 8 < 10 8 n < 2

Example 2:

Solve for y .

( 3 4 ) y = 15

The inverse operation of multiplication is division.

So, divide both sides by 3 4 (which is the same as multiplying by 4 3 ).

( 4 3 ) ( 3 4 ) y = ( 4 3 ) 15 y = 20