Unit 7 · Standard 6.EE.7
Solve One-Step Addition and Subtraction Equations
Key Vocabulary Level 1 support
Picture first, then the word, then a plain-language meaning. Say each word out loud.
x + 5 = 12 — both sides equal 12 when x = 7
Equation
A math sentence with an equal sign showing both sides are the same.
Addition undoes subtraction: if x − 3 = 10, add 3 to get x = 13
Inverse operation
Two math actions that undo each other, like × and ÷.
x + 5 = 12 → subtract 5 from both sides → x = 7 (x is isolated)
Isolate
To get the letter by itself on one side.
x = 7 is the solution to x + 5 = 12 because 7 + 5 = 12 ✓
Solution
The number that makes the equation true.
Key Ideas & Notes
- Detective Chen found a coded message: 'The suspect's locker number plus 23 equals 58.' She needs to figure out the locker number to crack the case.
- The equation is n + 23 = 58.
- What is n?
- Use the balance scale to solve n + 23 = 58. What must you do to both sides to isolate n?
Think About It
- What operation connects the locker number and 23?
- What does n represent in the equation?
- How could you undo the addition to find n?
My Notes
Guided Examples
Example 1
Solve: x + 9 = 15
Solution: Subtract 9 from both sides: x = 15 − 9 = 6. Check: 6 + 9 = 15 ✓
Answer: A. x = 6
Example 2
Solve: y − 7 = 20
Solution: Add 7 to both sides: y = 20 + 7 = 27. Check: 27 − 7 = 20 ✓
Answer: A. y = 27
Example 3
Solve: n + 15 = 42
Solution: Subtract 15 from both sides: n = 42 − 15 = 27. Check: 27 + 15 = 42 ✓
Answer: A. n = 27
Write About the Math The Writing Revolution
I can explain my steps using the words equation, inverse operation, isolate, and solution.
1. Kernel Sentence subject + verb
Model: Equation is a math sentence with an equal sign showing both sides are the same.Ecuación es una oración matemática con un signo igual que muestra que ambos lados son iguales.
Write a kernel sentence about equation. Use a subject and a verb.Escribe una oración base sobre ecuación. Usa un sujeto y un verbo.
2. Sentence Expansion because · but · so
Kernel: Equation matters in mathEcuación importa en matemáticas
Expand the kernel three ways. Add a reason, a contrast, and a result.
Equation matters in math because ___.Ecuación importa en matemáticas porque ___.
Equation matters in math, but ___.Ecuación importa en matemáticas, pero ___.
Equation matters in math, so ___.Ecuación importa en matemáticas, entonces ___.
3. Sentence Types 4 ways to write a math idea
Tell one true fact about equation.Di un hecho verdadero sobre equation.
Equation ___.
Ask a question about equation.Haz una pregunta sobre equation.
How does ___ ?¿Cómo ___ ?
Show excitement about equation.Muestra entusiasmo sobre equation.
Wow, ___ !¡Guau, ___ !
Tell a partner what to do with equation.Dile a un compañero qué hacer con equation.
First, ___ .Primero, ___ .
4. Explain Your Reasoning use a sentence starter
I used ___ to undo ___.Usé ___ para deshacer ___.
So the variable equals ___.Entonces la variable es igual a ___.
This helps me find ___.Esto me ayuda a hallar ___.
Try It
Solve on your own. Check the answer key when you are done.
1. Solve: m − 11 = 25
- m = 36
- m = 14
- m = 25
- m = 275
2. A shirt costs $d. After a $15 discount, it costs $38. What is d?
- $53
- $23
- $38
- $45
Stretch Your Thinking Level 2 enrichment
Challenge task — explain your reasoning in full sentences.
A detective solved x + 25 = 60 and got x = 35. Another detective solved y − 25 = 60 and got y = 35. Are both correct? Explain using inverse operations and check each answer.
Sentence starter: For x + 25 = 60, the inverse operation is ___, so x = ___. Check: ___. For y − 25 = 60, the inverse operation is ___, so y = ___. Check: ___. Therefore, ___.
Reflect — Exit Ticket
Solve: p + 2.8 = 9.1
- p = 6.3
- p = 11.9
- p = 6.8
- p = 3.25
Answer Key & Teacher Guide
- Try It 1: A. m = 36 — Add 11 to both sides: m = 25 + 11 = 36. Check: 36 − 11 = 25 ✓
- Try It 2: A. $53 — d − 15 = 38 → d = 38 + 15 = 53.
- Exit Ticket: A. p = 6.3 — Subtract 2.8 from both sides: p = 9.1 − 2.8 = 6.3. Check: 6.3 + 2.8 = 9.1 ✓
Writing (TWR) — what to look for
- Kernel sentence: A complete sentence needs a subject and a verb. Example: Equation is a math sentence with an equal sign showing both sides are the same.
- Expansion: because gives a reason, but shows a contrast or exception, so shows a result. Answers vary; each must keep the kernel idea and add the correct kind of detail.
- Sentence types: Statement ends with a period, question with "?", exclamation with "!", and a command starts with an action verb (a "bossy" verb).