Everything Maths Grade 10

Check the answer by substitutingx=^12.

LHS= 2x+ 2

= 2

(

1

2

)

+ 2

=1 + 2

= 1

RHS= 1

Thereforex=^12

VISIT:

The following video gives an introduction to solving linear equations.

See video:2F9Batwww.everythingmaths.co.za

Method for solving linear equations EMA35

The general steps for solving linear equations are:

1.Expand all brackets.

2.Rearrange the terms so that all terms containing the variable are on one side of the equation and all

constant terms are on the other side.

3.Group like terms together and simplify.

4.Factorise if necessary.

5.Find the solution and write down the answer.

6.Check the answer by substituting the solution back into the original equation.

IMPORTANT!

An equation must always be balanced, whatever you do to the left-hand side, you must also do to the right-hand
side.

Worked example 1: Solving linear equations

QUESTION

Solve forx:

4(2x9) 4 x= 4 6 x

SOLUTION

Step 1: Expand the brackets and simplify

4(2x9) 4 x= 4 6 x

8 x 36  4 x= 4 6 x

8 x 4 x+ 6x= 4 + 36

10 x= 40

Step 2: Divide both sides by 10

x= 4

Chapter 4. Equations and inequalities 75