Math Mechanic Anchor Chart
Math Mechanic
One-Step Equation Toolbox
Keep it Balanced
The Golden Rule
Whatever you do to one side of the equal sign, you must do to the other side!
Opposite Operations (Inverses)
− +
× ÷
÷ ×
Addition Equations
\(x + 5 = 12\)
1
Find the number with \(x\).
Plus 5
2
Do the Opposite:
Subtract 5
\(x + 5 = 12\)
\( \quad - 5 \quad - 5 \)
\( \mathbf{x = 7} \)
Subtraction Equations
\(y - 8 = 10\)
1
Find the number with \(y\).
Minus 8
2
Do the Opposite:
Add 8
\(y - 8 = 10\)
\( \quad + 8 \quad + 8 \)
\( \mathbf{y = 18} \)
Multiplication Equations
\(3a = 15\)
1
Variable and Number stuck?
They are Multiplying!
2
Do the Opposite:
Divide by 3
\( \frac{3a}{\color{pink}{3}} = \frac{15}{\color{pink}{3}} \)
\( \mathbf{a = 5} \)
Division Equations
\( \frac{b}{4} = 5 \)
1
Number on the bottom?
It is Dividing!
2
Do the Opposite:
Multiply by 4
\( \color{purple}{4 \cdot} \frac{b}{4} = 5 \color{purple}{\cdot 4} \)
\( \mathbf{b = 20} \)
Check your work! Plug your answer back in.
