How To Solve Linear Equations

EASY RULES TO FOLLOW

IN SOLVING LINEAR EQUATIONS:

RULE #1: Remember that the object is to get the ‘x’ by itself, on one side of the equation where the equal (=) sign separates the other numbers, TOTALLY ALONE! Without any number or negative sign if front of it!

Ex. -x = 2    WRONG!           x = -2 CORRECT!

RULE#2: Whatever math function ( =, -, X, / ) is being done on one side of the equal, to get it on the other side you MUST do the opposite.

Ex.                 =

add ->    subtract

+               -

mulitlpy ->   divide               Vise Versa

X                  /

RULE#3: Wherever there are parenthesis{ (   ) } take the number in front of the parenthesis and multiply it with each number inside of the parenthesis.

Ex.  4(2x + 3) =   4 X 2x = 8x  & 4 X 3 = 12

So the answer is  8x + 12

RULE#4:  If there are more than on ‘x’ in the problem, combine them together!

               Ex.  2x  = -4x +  3            HOLD ON! REMEMBER RULE #1

2x =  -4x +3                           GET THE ‘x’ BY ITSELF!

                      +4x =  +4x +3

                        6x = 3

                                         

                   6x/6  = 3/6

                          x = 3/6    

                          x = 1/2     

                      CORRECT!

NOW LETS PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!