What this covers
One-step equations is taught in Year 6 (age 11 to 12) as a main teaching focus. It sits in the Algebra strand.
Worked example
Solve: x ÷ 4 = 7
- Identify the inverse operation of dividing by 4, which is multiplying by 4
- Multiply both sides by 4: x = 7 × 4
- Evaluate the product: x = 28
Answer: x = 28
Difficulty scale
The sheet generator offers five difficulty settings for this topic.
- Addition and subtraction with positive integers, e.g., x + 5 = 12
- Multiplication with positive integers, e.g., 3x = 21
- Division equations, e.g., x ÷ 4 = 6
- Equations with negative integers or negative answers, e.g., x - 8 = -3
- Equations where the coefficient is negative, e.g., -5x = 35 or -x = 9
Common mistakes
- Applying the same operation instead of the inverse, e.g., adding 5 to solve x + 5 = 12
- Dividing the wrong way around when solving equations like 12 = 3x
Curriculum links
Indicative matches to Australian Curriculum v9. Check wording and codes against the official document.
- AC9M6A02 Find unknown values in numerical equations using the order of operations and inverse relationships.