Remember: a number sentence with an equals sign (=) is called an equation.
We must equate, or equalise, the numbers on each side of the equals sign.
1. Try solving these equations. a) 179 + 283 = d) 108 ÷ 12 =
b) 654 – 92 = e) 6 = 126 ÷
c) 8 × 14 = f) 450 +
= 982
The blank in question 1 is a variable because it does not always represent the same number. Instead of the blank, we can use another variable represented by a letter.
For example, Sarah shared out her sweets among 6 of her friends. Each person got 12 sweets.
How many sweets did Sarah have at fi rst?
Let x be the number of sweets Sarah had at fi rst. x ÷ 6 = 12 x = 72
Strand: Algebra
Curriculum Objectives: Translate word problems with a variable into number sentences; solve one-step number sentences and equations.