Solving equations using addition

When solving equations using addition, they will have the form  x − b = c. Recall that ax + b = c is a linear equation.

Thus, the equation x − b = c is a linear equation with a = 1 and a negative sign in front of b.

To see this, notice that 1.x = x and − = + -

Thus, we can rewrite x − b = c as

1.x + -b = c

You can solve x − b = c in one step.

When solving one step equation of the form x − b = c, rewrite x − b = c as
x + -b = c and add b to both sides of the equation.

We will illustrate with two examples.

Example #1

Solve x − 2 = 8

Example #2 

Solve x − 4 = -6

You could also solve the equation x - 4 = -6 as shown below as well. 

x - 4  =  -6
x + -4 = -6
x + -4 + 4 = -6 + 4
x + 0 = -2
x = -2

Solving equations using addition quiz. Find out how well you can solve these equations

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