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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 the inverse operation to solve.

Example 1:

Solve for n.

n+8<10

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

n+88<108n<2

Example 2:

Solve for y.

(34)y=15

The inverse operation of multiplication is division.

So, divide both sides by 34 (which is the same as multiplying by 43).

(43)(34)y=(43)15y=20