"Solve for the Letter in Each Equation, With Additional Problems to Verify the Answer" is a worksheet that helps students learn how to determine the value of the letter in one-variable equations by outlining the process step-by-step.

Each worksheet begins with an equation and written directions on each step that students must use in order to find the value of the letter. For example, the equation might be 8w-2=54. The written instructions state, "First, add 2 to both sides. Then, divide each side by 8." After the instructions, there's a blank where students can write the value of the letter. There's also a related equation at the bottom where students can double-check their answer. For example, the equation (8 x ___)-2 = 54 is included with the problem above.

The first problem on each page serves as an example, showing students how to work through each step and fill in the answers. Some boxes include directions, but as the worksheet progresses, the boxes include the equation without the directions, so students have to follow the process from memory. All boxes contain extra space where students can show their work.

It's important for students to learn how to solve one-variable equations one step at a time so they can tackle larger algebraic equations in the future. It can be especially helpful to group operations and concepts together so they can master each one individually.

For example, you might start with a format like 3w+7=34. The numbers and letters can change, and you can even substitute a subtraction symbol for the addition symbol, but the method is the same. Students learn to add or subtract the single digit from both sides before undoing the multiplication problem as a division problem on the other side of the equal sign.

You can model or scaffold this process when teaching the class, but problems can also be scaffolded on paper to give students practice. You can give them written directions while they are learning, as well as equivalent equations that enable them to double-check their work.