Solving Linear Equations

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation that makes a straight line when graphed. It can be written in the form ax + b = c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

What does it mean to solve a linear equation?

Back

To solve a linear equation means to find the value of the variable that makes the equation true.

Front

What is the first step in solving the equation 7x - 3x - 8 = 24?

Back

Combine like terms: 4x - 8 = 24.

Front

How do you isolate the variable in the equation 4x - 8 = 24?

Back

Add 8 to both sides to get 4x = 32.

Front

What is the final step to solve for x in the equation 4x = 32?

Back

Divide both sides by 4 to get x = 8.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.

Front

How do you apply the distributive property in the equation 3(x - 2) = 18?

Back

Multiply 3 by both x and -2 to get 3x - 6 = 18.

Front

What is the next step after applying the distributive property in 3x - 6 = 18?

Back

Add 6 to both sides to get 3x = 24.

Front

How do you solve for x in the equation 3x = 24?

Back

Divide both sides by 3 to get x = 8.

Front

What does it mean to combine like terms?

Back

Combining like terms means to add or subtract terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.