Linear equations
An equation is a balance: whatever you do to one side, do to the other. Isolate x by undoing operations in reverse order.
About: Linear equations
An equation is a balance: whatever you do to one side, do to the other. Isolate x by undoing operations in reverse order.
Worked examples
Solve for x: 4x − 2 = 26
Answer: 7. Move the 2 to the other side: 4x = 26 + 2 = 28. Divide by 4: x = 7.
Solve for x: 7x + 6 = −1
Answer: −1. Move the 6 to the other side: 7x = −1 − 6 = −7. Divide by 7: x = −1.
Solve for x: 3x − 7 = −25
Answer: −6. Move the 7 to the other side: 3x = −25 + 7 = −18. Divide by 3: x = −6.