Linear Equations

Definition: A linear equation is an equation in which the highest power of the variable is 1. The general form is ax + b = c, where a, b, and c are constants.

1. Solving Linear Equations

Example 1: Solve for x in 5x − 3 = 12.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Add 3 to both sides to isolate the term with x:
    5x = 15
  2. Divide both sides by 5:
    x = 3

Explanation: Each step isolates x by performing the inverse of the operations around it, making it simpler to find x’s value.

Example 2: Solve 7 − 2x = 3x + 1.

Solution Steps:

  1. Move all terms with x to one side and constants to the other:
    6 = 5x
  2. Divide both sides by 5 to solve for x:
    x = 6/5

Explanation: Rearranging terms simplifies the equation, isolating x for a clear solution.

Practice Problems

Try these exercises:

Answers are provided below, but try to solve on your own first!

2. Systems of Linear Equations

A system of linear equations consists of two or more linear equations that share the same variables. Solving the system means finding values for the variables that satisfy all equations simultaneously.

Example: Solve the system:

2x + y = 7
3x − y = 5

Methods of Solving:

Solution using Elimination:

  1. Add equations 1 and 2 to eliminate y:
    5x = 12x = 12/5
  2. Substitute x = 12/5 back into the first equation to solve for y:
    y = 11/5

Solution: x = 12/5, y = 11/5.

Quick Quiz: Systems of Equations

Solve the system of equations:

x + y = 10
2x - y = 3

Choose the correct answer:

Linear Equations

Definition: A linear equation is an equation in which the highest power of the variable is 1. The general form is ax + b = c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Interactive Exercises

Solve the following equation:

Your Performance

Graph Linear Equations

Enter a linear equation in the form y = mx + b:

Linear Equations

Two-Step Equations

Solve equations in the form ax + b = c.

Graphing and Slope-Intercept Form

Identify the slope and intercept from equations like y = mx + b.

Linear Equations

Two-Step Equations

Solve equations in the form ax + b = c.

Graphing and Slope-Intercept Form

Identify the slope and intercept from equations like y = mx + b, and view the graph.

Linear Equations

Definition: A linear equation is an equation in which the highest power of the variable is 1. The general form is ax + b = c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Linear Equations

Definition: A linear equation is an equation in which the highest power of the variable is 1. The general form is ax + b = c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Interactive Exercises

Solve the following equation:

Your Performance

Graph Linear Equations

Enter a linear equation in the form y = mx + b:

Linear Equations

Two-Step Equations

Solve equations in the form ax + b = c.

Graphing and Slope-Intercept Form

Identify the slope and intercept from equations like y = mx + b.

Linear Equations

Two-Step Equations

Solve equations in the form ax + b = c.

Graphing and Slope-Intercept Form

Identify the slope and intercept from equations like y = mx + b.