A linear equation has x but no x², so it has one solution. Expand any brackets, collect the x terms on one side and the numbers on the other, then divide.
9x − 18 = x + 38: subtract x from both sides to get 8x − 18 = 38. Add 18 to get 8x = 56, so x = 7. Equations with fractions can be cleared by multiplying every term by the denominator first. Always substitute your answer to check.
Worked example
Solve 4x − 5 = 2x + 35
- Subtract 2x: 2x − 5 = 35.
- Add 5: 2x = 40, so divide by 2.
Answer:x = 20
Key words
- linear
- the highest power of x is 1
- solve
- find the value of x
- check
- substitute back into the equation
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: HSA-REI.B.3