Maths Library

One-step equations: Year 6 maths

This topic introduces solving basic linear equations using inverse operations in a single step. The worksheet develops confidence in balancing equations with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

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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

  1. Identify the inverse operation of dividing by 4, which is multiplying by 4
  2. Multiply both sides by 4: x = 7 × 4
  3. Evaluate the product: x = 28

Answer: x = 28

Difficulty scale

The sheet generator offers five difficulty settings for this topic.

  1. Addition and subtraction with positive integers, e.g., x + 5 = 12
  2. Multiplication with positive integers, e.g., 3x = 21
  3. Division equations, e.g., x ÷ 4 = 6
  4. Equations with negative integers or negative answers, e.g., x - 8 = -3
  5. 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.

Sample sheet and answers

Six questions at the level's usual difficulty. Open the editor to change, add or regenerate any of them.

One-step equations

Year 6 maths

Qs
6
Marks
6
NameDateScore / 6
1.
x − 8 = 6
[1]
2.
x − 2 = 5
[1]
3.
x + 9 = 12
[1]
4.
x + 9 = 21
[1]
5.
x − 9 = 13
[1]
6.
x + 3 = 5
[1]

Answer key

  1. x = 14Add 8 to both sides; x = 14
  2. x = 7Add 2 to both sides; x = 7
  3. x = 3Subtract 9 from both sides; x = 3
  4. x = 12Subtract 9 from both sides; x = 12
  5. x = 22Add 9 to both sides; x = 22
  6. x = 2Subtract 3 from both sides; x = 2