Finding the

Unknown in a
Simple
Equation
Lesson Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, the pupils will be
able to:
1. Solve for the unknown in simple
equations involving one or more
operations on whole numbers and
fractions using different strategies.
Topics/Strategies

Writing
Working
an
Backward
Equation
 01
Writing an
Equation
 Writing an
Equation!

This strategy can be used in

almost all kinds of word
problems.
 Example

What is the value of n in the equation ?

 Example

What is the value of n in the equation ?

13 2
− =𝑛
15 15
 Example

What is the value of n in the equation ?

13 2
− =𝑛
15 15
13 2 11
− =
15 15 15
 Example

What is the value of n in the equation ?

 Example

What is the value of n in the equation ?

13 3
− =𝑛
16 1 6
 Example

What is the value of n in the equation ?

13 3
− =𝑛
16 1 6
13 3 10
− =
16 1 6 1 6
 Example

What is the value of n in the equation ?

 Example

What is the value of n in the equation ?

5 6
+ =𝑛
15 15
 02
Working
Backward
 Working
Backward
This strategy is best used when the problem asks for
the original number, given the result or the final
answer. Working backward is done by starting from
the result. You will work backward by reversing all
the operations that have been done.
 a mple
Ex What is the value of n in the
equation n + 24 – 17 = 30?
 a mple
Ex What is the value of n in the
equation n + 24 – 17 = 30?

– 24 +17

30 + 17 – 24 = n
 a mple
Ex What is the value of n in the
equation n + 24 – 17 = 30?

– 24 +17

30 + 17 – 24 = n
47 – 24 = n
 a mple
Ex What is the value of n in the
equation n + 24 – 17 = 30?

– 24 +17

30 + 17 – 24 = n
47 – 24 = n
23 = n
 a mple
Ex What is the value of n in the
equation n ÷ 4 × 3 = 12?
 a mple
Ex What is the value of n in the
equation n ÷ 4 × 3 = 12?
 a mple
Ex What is the value of n in the
equation n ÷ 4 × 3 = 12?
 a mple
Ex What is the value of n in the
equation n ÷ 4 × 3 = 12?
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛 − 45=23
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

23+ 45=𝑛
𝑛 − 45=23
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛 − 45=23
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

31+𝑛=75
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

31+𝑛=75
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

31+𝑛=75
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛+24+11=76
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛+24+11=76
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛+24+11=76
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛 ÷ 2+5=20
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛 ÷ 2+5=20
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛 ÷ 2+5=20
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛 ÷ 12× 3=6
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛 ÷ 12× 3=6
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛 ÷ 12× 3=6
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛×8 ÷ 3=24
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛×8 ÷ 3=24
 TRY THIS!

Find the value of n

𝑛×8 ÷ 3=24
THAN
K
YOU!