9th Grade Math: Practice Exercises with Answers

How to Write Algebra Problems

In introductory algebra, students learn about the structure of equations, as well as how to solve equations with one variable. There are three types of one-variable equations: 1-step equations, which require one mathematical process to isolate the variable (x); 2-step equations, which require two mathematical processes to solve for x; and multi-step equations, which require more than two processes before solving for x.

Your child's teacher likely can provide you with worksheets that your child can complete at home for extra practice. However, you also can create your own practice equations, using the samples below as models.

Algebra Problems by Number of Steps

One-Step Equations

7x = 21

To solve this equation, your child should divide both sides by 7 (21 ÷ 7 = 3 ). The answer is x = 3.

-11 + x = 3

To isolate the variable, your child should add 11 to both sides (3 + 11 = 14). The answer is x = 14.

Two-Step Equations

5x - 10 = 15

To isolate x, your child should first add 10 to both sides (5x = 25). Then, he or she should divide both sides by 5 (25 ÷ 5 = 5). The answer is x = 5.

49 - 7x = 14

To isolate x, your child should first subtract 49 from both sides (-7x = -35). Then, he or she should divide both sides by -7 (-35 ÷ -7 = 5). The answer is x = 5.

Multi-Step Equations

6x - 3 = 9 + 3x

First, the variables need to be combined, so your child should subtract 3x from both sides. The resulting equation should look like this: 3x - 3 = 9. Then, he or she should isolate the variable by adding 3 to both sides, resulting in 3x = 12. Finally, your child should divide both sides by 3 (12 ÷ 3 = 4). The answer is x = 4.

2(x - 7) = 50

To begin, your child should distribute the 2 (2x - 14 = 50). Then, he or she should add 14 to both sides, so that 2x = 64. Finally, your child should divide both sides by 2 to isolate x (64 ÷ 2 = 32). The answer is x = 32.