Algebra

Lesson:

A linear equation in one variable is any equation that takes the form:

ax + b = c

where a, b, and c are constants and a not = 0.

5x + 3 = 2, 2x = 7, 2x + 5 = 0

are linear because they can be put in the form ax + b = c. In the first equation, 5x, 3 and 2 are called terms of the equation - 5x is a variable term; 3 and 2 are constant terms.

Example 1:

The solution set for 2x - 3 = 9 is {6}, since replacing x with 6 makes the equation a true statement.

If x = 6

then 2x - 3 = 9

becomes 2(6) - 3 = 9

12 - 3 = 9

A true statement 9 = 9