Grade 7 Maths: Algebraic equations poster

A one-page CAPS Grade 7 Maths poster on algebraic equations (Patterns and algebra), with the key ideas, key words and a tip to remember.

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Maths · Grade 7 · Patterns and algebra

Algebraic equations

1What is an equation?

An equation says that two expressions are equal. To solve it, find the value of the variable that makes it true.

Example

x + 4 = 9
x = 5 because 5 + 4 = 9

Ask yourself: what number makes this true? Use the opposite operation to help.

Example

x − 6 = 10, so x = 10 + 6 = 16
x ÷ 3 = 7, so x = 7 × 3 = 21
5x = 40, so x = 40 ÷ 5 = 8

Example

3x + 2 = 23
23 − 2 = 21
21 ÷ 3 = 7, so x = 7

Put your answer back into the equation. Both sides must be equal.

Example

3 × 7 + 2 = 21 + 2 = 23
The left side is 23 and the right side is 23.

Try a value. If the answer is too small, try a bigger value. If it is too big, try a smaller value.

Example

2x + 9 = 31
x = 10: 29 is too small
x = 11: 31, so x = 11

Choose a letter for the unknown number. Write the story as an equation. Then solve it.

Example

I think of a number, double it and subtract 3. The answer is 15.
2n − 3 = 15
15 + 3 = 18 and 18 ÷ 2 = 9, so n = 9

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