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

  1. Solve for x: 4x − 2 = 26

    Answer: 7. Move the 2 to the other side: 4x = 26 + 2 = 28. Divide by 4: x = 7.

  2. Solve for x: 7x + 6 = −1

    Answer: −1. Move the 6 to the other side: 7x = −1 − 6 = −7. Divide by 7: x = −1.

  3. Solve for x: 3x − 7 = −25

    Answer: −6. Move the 7 to the other side: 3x = −25 + 7 = −18. Divide by 3: x = −6.

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