One-step addition equations represent an unknown addend in a whole-number relationship, such as , , or ; solving means determining the number that makes both sides equal, often by using the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction. The understanding includes interpreting the equal sign as a balance rather than an instruction to compute, and is limited to single-step equations with whole numbers, not negative numbers, fractions, decimals, or multi-step algebraic expressions.
An addition equation shows that two amounts are equal. The letter represents the missing addend.
To find the missing number, use the inverse operation: subtraction undoes addition.
Example:
The equation is true, so the solution is .
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