Solving Linear Equations

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.

Combining like terms means to simplify an expression by adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

To isolate a variable, you perform inverse operations to get the variable on one side of the equation and the constants on the other side.

The first step is to combine like terms: -12t + 42 = 78.

The solution is x = 3.

Combine like terms to get 15 - 1.25p = 10, then isolate p.

Subtracting the constant means to remove the number that is not attached to a variable from both sides of the equation.

The solution is n = 1/2 or 0.5.

First, simplify to get 1/2b - 2 = 6, then isolate b to find b = 16.

Checking your solution ensures that the value you found satisfies the original equation.