Grade 7, Patterns and equations

Two-step equations

Solve two-step equations such as 3x + 4 = 16, with whole-number answers.

Three levels

One skill, rising difficulty

Each sheet carries one level. The three are the same skill at rising difficulty, each named for what it practises.

Level 1: ax + b = c
Solve each equation.
Level 2: ax − b = c
Solve each equation.
Level 3: Mixed forms
Solve each equation.

Worked example

How the sheet explains it

The helper printed at the top of each sheet: one solved example and the steps a student follows, before the first question. Every number sentence in it is proven by the same checker as the answer key.

Level 1: ax + b = c

3x + 4 = 16 x = 4

  1. Undo the + 4 first. Subtract 4 from both sides: 16 − 4 = 12, so 3x = 12.
  2. Then undo × 3. Divide both sides by 3: 12 ÷ 3 = 4.
  3. Check: 3 × 4 + 4 = 16.

Level 2: ax − b = c

4x − 11 = 37 x = 12

  1. Undo the − 11 first. Add 11 to both sides: 37 + 11 = 48, so 4x = 48.
  2. Then divide both sides by 4: 48 ÷ 4 = 12.
  3. Check: 4 × 12 − 11 = 37.

Level 3: Mixed forms

51 = 6x − 15 x = 11

  1. Undo the − 15 first. Add 15 to both sides: 51 + 15 = 66, so 66 = 6x.
  2. Then divide both sides by 6: 66 ÷ 6 = 11.
  3. Check: 6 × 11 − 15 = 51.

Goes with

Reference sheets

One-page helpers a student keeps beside this sheet:

  • Solving equations

Every reference, facts and support sheet is listed in the worksheet catalogue.

In the BC curriculum

Content standards

The British Columbia content standard this skill is written for, by the codes used across this site:

  • bc.math.7.c.6

The wording of each standard is on the Province's mathematics curriculum page.

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