Solving One-Step Equations — Interactive Lesson (Ages 10–11)

What number can you add to 21 to get 50? This 22-slide interactive lesson teaches solving one-step equations, starting from missing-number problems.

Mastering Solving One-Step Equations in Year 6 Maths

Pupils learn to solve simple one-step equations involving the four operations, and to understand that an equation is a way of solving a missing number problem. They use inverse operations to work out the unknown, moving from a symbol to a letter, so that b + 21 = 50 gives b = 29. Starter activities find missing masses, and problem questions ask them to write an equation for a number puzzle, such as thinking of a number, adding 10 and getting 49.

What’s Included

• 22-slide interactive lesson on solving one-step equations
• Learning objectives on missing numbers and inverse operations
• Starter activities finding the missing number
• Questions using all four operations
• Writing an equation for a “think of a number” problem, with instant feedback

Key Benefits for Students

• Builds a secure understanding of what an equation is
• Introduces inverse operations in a simple context
• Moves from a symbol to a letter for the unknown
• Instant feedback on answer questions

Why Teachers Love It

• No prep — ready for whole-class teaching on an interactive whiteboard
• Starter activities are ready to use
• Self-marking questions support independent practice
• Suits teaching, revision and homework
• A friendly introduction to algebra

Love this? You’ll love…

• Introduction to Algebra: One-Step Function Machines — Interactive Lesson (Ages 10–11)
• Two-Step Function Machines — Interactive Lesson (Ages 10–11)
• Using Algebraic Formulae — Interactive Lesson (Ages 10–11)

A dependable addition to a Year 6 algebra topic, giving pupils a gentle first step into equations. Confident missing-number thinking prepares them for algebra in secondary school.

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FAQ

What year group is this for? Year 6 (ages 10–11), KS2.

Does it use letters for unknowns? Yes — it moves from a symbol to a letter such as b.

Is it self-marking? Yes, with instant feedback on the questions.