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Solving Linear Equations
Linear Equation:
a mathematical expression that has an equal sign and linear expressions
Variable:
a number that you don't know, often represented by "x" or
"y"
but any letter will do!
Variable(s) in linear expressions- Cannot have exponents (or powers)
For example, x squared or x2 - Cannot multiply or divide each other
For example: "x" times "y" or xy; "x" divided by "y" or x/y - Cannot be found under a root sign or square root sign (sqrt)
For example: √x or the "square root x"; sqrt (x)
Linear Expression:
a mathematical statement that performs
functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
These are examples of linear expressions:x + 4 | 2x + 4 | 2x + 4y |
x2 | (no exponents on variables) | |
2xy + 4 | (can't multiply two variables) | |
2x / 4y | (can't divide two variables) | |
√x | <="" td=""> (no square root sign on variables) |
a number to the "other" side of the equal sign.
Remember that you are "isolating" the unknown "X" to solve the problem.
(More examples are provided below.)
More examples:
Linear equation, solving example #1:
Find x if: 2x + 4 = 10
1.
|
Isolate "x" to one side of the equation
by subtracting 4 from both sides: |
2x + 4 - 4 = 10 - 42x = 6 |
2. | Divide both sides by 2: | 2x / 2 = 6 / 2x = 3 |
3. | Check your work with the original equation: |
2x + 4 = 10 (2 * 3) + 4 = 10 6 + 4 = 10 |
Linear equation, solving example #2:
Find x if: 3x - 4 = -10(using negatives)
1.
|
Isolate "x" to
one side of the equation
by adding 4 to both sides: |
3x - 4 + 4 = -10 + 43x = -6 |
2. | Divide both sides by 3: | 3x
/ 3 = -6 / 3 x = -2 |
3. | Check your work with the original equation: | (3
* -2) - 4 = -10 -6 - 4 = -10 |
Linear equation, solving example #3:
Find x if: 4x - 4y = 8(using more than one variable)
1.
|
First step is to isolate "x"
to one side of the equation by adding 4y to both sides: |
4x - 4y + 4y = 8 + 4y 4x = 8 + 4y |
2. | Second step is to divide both sides by 4: |
4x / 4 = (8 + 4y) / 4 x = 2 + y |
3. | Check your work with the original equation: |
4 * (2 + y) - 4y = 8 8 + 4y - 4y = 8 8 = 8 |
Linear equation, solving example #4:
Find x if:
x + 32 = 12
Note: since the square is on the number and not on the variable,
the expression qualifies as a linear expression
Note: since the square is on the number and not on the variable,
the expression qualifies as a linear expression
1. | First step is to square the number: |
x + 32 = 12 x + 9 = 12 |
2. | Second step is to subtract both sides by 9: |
x + 9 - 9 = 12 - 9 x = 3 |
3. | Check your work with the original equation: |
3 + 32 = 12 3 + 9 = 12 12 = 12 |
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