Linear Equations

Definition

A linear equation is a mathematical equation in which the variables are raised to the first power and the variables are connected by addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Linear equations represent straight-line relationships between variables and are fundamental in solving various algebraic problems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Linear equations can be solved using the addition and subtraction properties of equality, which allow for the isolation of the variable on one side of the equation.
2. The multiplication and division properties of equality can also be used to solve linear equations by manipulating the coefficients and constants to isolate the variable.
3. Linear equations with fractions or decimals can be solved by first converting the fractions or decimals to whole numbers, and then applying the appropriate equality properties.
4. The slope of a line, which represents the rate of change between two points, is a key characteristic of linear equations and can be used to understand their behavior.
5. Systems of linear equations can be solved using the elimination method, which involves adding or subtracting the equations to eliminate one of the variables and find the values of the remaining variables.

Review Questions

• Explain how the addition and subtraction properties of equality can be used to solve linear equations.
  • The addition and subtraction properties of equality allow for the isolation of the variable in a linear equation by performing the same operation on both sides of the equation. For example, to solve the equation $2x + 5 = 11$, you can subtract 5 from both sides to isolate the variable: $2x = 6$, and then divide both sides by 2 to find the value of $x$. This process of applying the addition and subtraction properties of equality is a fundamental technique for solving linear equations.
• Describe how the slope of a line can be used to understand the behavior of a linear equation.
  • The slope of a line, which represents the rate of change between two points on the line, is a crucial characteristic of linear equations. The slope can be calculated as the change in the $y$-coordinate divided by the change in the $x$-coordinate between two points. Understanding the slope of a linear equation allows you to determine the direction and steepness of the line, which can provide valuable insights into the relationship between the variables in the equation. For example, a positive slope indicates a line that is increasing, while a negative slope indicates a line that is decreasing.
• Explain the process of solving a system of linear equations using the elimination method, and how this relates to the concept of linear equations.
  • Solving a system of linear equations using the elimination method involves manipulating the equations to eliminate one of the variables, allowing you to find the values of the remaining variables. This process is closely related to the concept of linear equations because it relies on the same principles, such as the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division properties of equality. By applying these properties to the system of equations, you can isolate the variables and determine the unique solution that satisfies all the equations in the system. The ability to solve systems of linear equations is a powerful tool in algebra, as it allows you to analyze and understand the relationships between multiple variables in a linear context.

Related terms

Slope:

The slope of a line is a measure of its steepness, representing the rate of change between two points on the line. It is a crucial concept in understanding the behavior of linear equations.

System of Equations:

A system of equations is a set of two or more linear equations with the same variables. Solving systems of equations allows for the determination of the values of the variables that satisfy all the equations simultaneously.

Equality Properties: The addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division properties of equality are fundamental rules that allow for the manipulation of linear equations to isolate and solve for the unknown variable.