Algebra Demystified 2nd Ed

Chapter 7 linear equaTionS 189

2. −=−
   −
   −

=−

−

=

226

2

2

26

2

13

x

x

x

3.^3
4

24

4

3

3

4

4

3

24

32

x

x

x

=

⋅=⋅

=

4. − =

− − =−

=−

1

3

5

3 1

3

35

15

x

x

x

() ()

A Strategy for Solving Linear Equations

Some equations can be solved in a number of ways. However, the general

method in this book will be the same. This method works for most of the linear

equations that you will need to solve in an algebra course.

1. Simplify both sides of the equation.


2. Collect all terms with variables in them on one side of the equation and all
   non-variable terms on the other (this is done by adding/subtracting terms).


3. Factor out the variable.


4. Divide both sides of the equation by the variable’s coefficient (this is what
   has been factored out in step 3).
   Of course, you might need only one or two of these steps. In the previous
   examples and practice problems, only Step 4 was used.
   In the following examples, the step number used will be in parentheses.
   Although it will not normally be done here, it is a good idea to verify the solution.
   We can verify the solution by substituting it in the original equation to see if it
   makes the equation a true statement.