How do you solve a simple linear equation?

Solving a Simple Linear Equation

A simple linear equation looks like ax + b = c, where x is the variable you want to solve for. The goal is to isolate x on one side.

Steps to Solve:

• Move constants to the other side:

Subtract/add numbers so that only x remains on one side.

• Divide by the coefficient:

If x has a number multiplied with it (a), divide both sides by this number.

Example:
Solve 2x + 3 = 11

1. Subtract 3 from both sides:

2x + 3 - 3 = 11 - 3
2x = 8

2. Divide by 2:

2x / 2 = 8 / 2
x = 4

Takeaways:

• Always undo operations step-by-step to isolate x.
• Check by plugging your solution back into the original equation.