What is the first step in solving an equation?

Clear the added or subtracted term next to the unknown, for example subtract 7 from both sides of x + 7 = 15.

Why must I do the same thing to both sides?

The two sides are equal, so adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing both by the same number (not zero) keeps them equal.

How do I form an equation from a word problem?

Let the unknown be x, then write the relation as an equation, for example six books cost 6x = 54.

P5 Maths Simple Equations Paper 1: Basics

2026-11-09

Tutor Prep Guide · P5 Maths

Ten original items, each with an answer and a one-line explanation.

Direct answers　Items 1-3 are basic, 4-6 intermediate and 7-9 challenge, with item 10 as the error review. Time yourself first, then check every answer and redo the wrong ones.

01　Paper details (check answers afterwards)

Item	Detail
Questions	10
Suggested time	20
Difficulty mix	Foundation 3 · Intermediate 3 · Challenge 3 · Error redo 1
Chapter	Chapter: P5 Maths Simple Equations and Word Problems
Level	P5

02　Questions (10 items)

FoundationSolve the equation x + 7 = 15.
FoundationSolve the equation x − 9 = 6.
FoundationSolve the equation 4x = 32.
IntermediateSolve the equation x ÷ 5 = 6.
IntermediateSolve the equation 2x + 3 = 17.
IntermediateSolve the equation 3x − 4 = 20.
ChallengeA book costs x dollars. Six books cost 54 dollars in total. Find x.
ChallengeMing has x sweets. After eating 5 he has 12 left. How many did he start with?
ChallengeA rectangle is x cm long and 7 cm wide with a perimeter of 30 cm. Find x.
Error redoError review: a pupil solves x − 8 = 3 and answers x = 5. What is the correct answer?

03　Answers and one-line notes

#	Answer	One-line note
1	x = 8	Subtract 7 from both sides: x = 15 − 7 = 8.
2	x = 15	Add 9 to both sides: x = 6 + 9 = 15.
3	x = 8	Divide both sides by 4: x = 32 ÷ 4 = 8.
4	x = 30	Multiply both sides by 5: x = 6 × 5 = 30.
5	x = 7	Subtract 3 first to get 2x = 14, then divide by 2 to get x = 7.
6	x = 8	Add 4 first to get 3x = 24, then divide by 3 to get x = 8.
7	x = 9	Six books cost 6x = 54, so dividing by 6 gives x = 9.
8	17 sweets	The equation is x − 5 = 12, so adding 5 to both sides gives x = 17.
9	x = 8	The perimeter gives 2(x + 7) = 30, so x + 7 = 15 and x = 8.
10	x = 11	Add 8 to both sides: x = 3 + 8 = 11. The pupil subtracted instead of adding.

04　What to do after marking

After marking, redo only the wrong items and write down which step went wrong (formula, unit, or misread number).
Repeat the same item two days later; move to the next paper only when both attempts are correct.
Parents only need the answer and note columns; there is no need to explain every item.

Book a Maths tutor Tutor Registration →

Questions and answers are written originally by the TutorZone team and are not taken from any school, publisher or examination authority paper. Every value is checked by computer.