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Linear equation

A linear equation has the unknown xx only to the first power. We solve it by performing the same operation on both sides of the equals sign, until xx stands alone on one side.

ax+b=c ⇒ x=c−baax + b = c\ \Rightarrow\ x = \frac{c-b}{a}solve a linear equation for x

Symbols

a, b, ca,\ b,\ cknown numbers
xxthe unknown

Example

3(x−2)=2x+4⇒3x−6=2x+4⇒x=103(x-2) = 2x+4 \Rightarrow 3x - 6 = 2x + 4 \Rightarrow x = 10.

Whatever you do to one side of the equals sign, you must do to the other.
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Part of Foundations of Mathematics: Algebra and equations.