What is a linear equation?

A linear equation is an equation where the variable is raised to the first power only.

Standard form:
ax + b = c

Example:
2x + 3 = 11

Solving linear equations

Goal: Isolate the variable.

Steps:

1. Simplify both sides

2. Move variables to one side

3. Move numbers to the other side

4. Solve

Example

Solve: 4x − 6 = 10

Add 6 to both sides:
4x = 16

Divide by 4:
x = 4

Why linear equations matter

They model:

• speed and distance

• costs and budgets

• real-world relationships