Balancing Simple Equations

Name: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________

Remember: An equation is like a balance scale. Whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other side to keep it balanced! ⚖️

Part A: Find the Value of the Variable

Solve each equation to find the value of the variable.

1. x + 7 = 15 x = __________
2. a + 12 = 20 a = __________
3. m - 5 = 9 m = __________
4. y - 8 = 14 y = __________
5. 3n = 21 n = __________
6. 5p = 35 p = __________

Part B: Two-Step Equations

These equations need two steps to solve. Show your working.

7. 2x + 3 = 11
Working: _________________________________________
x = __________
8. 4a - 5 = 19
Working: _________________________________________
a = __________
9. 3m + 7 = 28
Working: _________________________________________
m = __________

Part C: Word Problems

Write an equation for each problem, then solve it.

10. Sophie has some marbles. When she gets 6 more marbles, she has 18 marbles altogether. How many marbles did Sophie start with?
Equation: _________________________________________
Answer: __________
11. A number multiplied by 4 equals 32. What is the number?
Equation: _________________________________________
Answer: __________