MathematicsClass 7Simple Equations
Setting Up an Equation
Translating verbal statements and real-life situations into mathematical equations.
Class 7 · MathematicsCBSE & ICSE SOF IMO
Definition
Setting up an equation involves translating a statement or word problem into a mathematical sentence using numbers, variables, and an equality sign (=). An equation states that two expressions have the same value, acting like a balanced weighing scale. It always contains an 'equals' sign.
Worked examples
1
If a number x added to 7 gives 15, the equation is set up as x + 7 = 15.
2
Three times a number m decreased by 4 is equal to 11 translates to 3m - 4 = 11.
3
The sum of two consecutive numbers x and x + 1 is 25 is written as x + (x + 1) = 25.
Common mistakes
- • Writing an expression without an equals sign and mistakenly calling it an equation.
- • Reversing the order of subtraction or division, such as writing 5 - x instead of x - 5 when a number is subtracted from 5.