The following steps provide a good method to use when solving linear equations.
- Simplify each side of the equation by removing parentheses and combining like terms.
- Use addition or subtraction to isolate the variable term on one side of the equation.
- Use multiplication or division to solve for the variable.
Note: Fractions may be removed by multiplying each side of the equation by the common denominator.
Example:
Solve for z: 7z – (3z – 4) = 12
Solution:
Step 1. Simplify the left side of the equation by removing parentheses and combining like terms.
Distribute through by -1.
7z – 3z+ 4 = 12
Combine like terms on the left side of the equation.
4z + 4 = 12
Step 2. Use subtraction to isolate the variable term on the left side of the equation.
Subtract 4 from each side of the equation.
4z + 4 – 4 = 12 – 4
4z = 8
Step 3. Use division to solve for the variable.
Divide each side of the equation by 4.
The solution to 7z – (3z – 4) = 12 is z = 2.
Solve for y: (y - 11) - (y + 8) = 6y
Solve for x: 0.8(5x + 15) = 2.6 - (x + 3)
0 out of 0 correct.