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Section 1.3 Deliberate Practice: Solving Equations for a Variable

Algebra is a skill, which means it requires practice to become proficient. But it will take more than rote repetition to get there. Deliberate practice is the thoughtful repetition of a task. For each of these sections, you will be given a list of specific skills or ideas to focus on as you practice thinking through the problems.

Focus on these skills:

  • Write the original equation.

  • Line up your equal signs.

  • Correctly state the algebraic steps using the correct phrasing:

    • Add (expression) to both sides.

    • Subtract (expression) from both sides.

    • Multiply both sides by (expression).

    • Divide both sides by (expression).

  • Execute the algebra and arithmetic correctly.

  • Present your work legibly.

Worksheet Worksheet

Instructions: Solve the equations for the variable using a complete presentation.

1.

\(7x + 34 = 13\)

2.

\(2y + 24 = -32\)

3.

\(5t - 7 = 7\)

4.

\(6u - 18 = -31\)

5.

\(3a - 44 = -38\)

6.

\(2z + 24 = 24\)

7.

\(5b - 1 = 40\)

8.

\(11x + 40 = 13\)

9.

\(6t - 19 = -35\)

10.

\(9y - 40 = 32\)

11.

\(-4u - 31 = -25u - 10\)

12.

\(4v - 40 = -14v + 14\)

13.

\(7r + 38 = 8r + 32\)

14.

\(-9b + 3 = -8b + 14\)

15.

\(6c + 7 = 7c + 13\)

16.

\(2t - 10 = -3t + 10\)

17.

\(17u - 5 = 3u + 23\)

18.

\(-x - 1 = 2x + 83\)

19.

\(2m + 6 = 4m - 2\)

20.

\(s + 9 = -2s + 18\)