## What you’ll learn to do: Solve one-step equations using whole numbers

How many seashells did Bobby collect?

During his three-day beach vacation, Bobby is collecting seashells. On the last day of his trip, he picks up $7$ seashells and adds them to his bucket. He counts all his seashells and discovers that he has $23$ in all. Knowing this, how can Bobby determine how many shells he picked up over the first two days of his trip? One way he can figure it out is to write an equation. Read on to learn about properties of equations and develop your skills when solving equations.

Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

1)

If you missed this problem, review this example.

Evaluate $x+7$ when

1. $x=3$
2. $x=12$

2)

If you missed this problem, review the example below.

Evaluate $9x - 2,$ when

1. $x=5$
2. $x=1$

3)

If you missed this problem, review the following video.

When some people hear the word algebra, they think of solving equations. The applications of solving equations are limitless and extend to all careers and fields. In this section, we will begin solving equations. We will start by solving basic equations, and then as we proceed through the course we will build up our skills to cover many different forms of equations.