Linear Equations

Linear equations are equations containing only one variable.  In addition the variable is to the first degree.

For example:

x-7=15  is a linear equation

The variable is "x" and it is in the first degree.

2y+24=18 is also a linear equation

The variable here is "y" and again it is raised to the first degree.

In order to solve linear equations we need to isolate the variable.


In the equation x-7=15, we need to isolate x. We therefore add 7 to both sides of the equation.

x-7+7=15+7

x=22



In the equation 2y+24= 18, the variable is y.

We subtract 24 from both sides of the equation.

2y+24-24=18-24

2y= -6

Now we divide both sides of the equation by 2.

2y/2= -6/2
y=-3