You already know how to solve

equations like these:

453 x 29 x

Use inverse operations to isolate

the variable.

453 x 29 x3 3 9 9

Use inverse operations to isolate

the variable.

15x 7x

But most linear equations are slightly more

complicated.

5214 x

In mathematics, the goal is often to change

something we don’t

know how to do . . . 5214 x

. . . into something we already

know how to do. 5214 x

21 21164 x

You can solve this equation.

164 x4 4

4x

You can solve this equation.

Given a linear equation in the form,

,cbax ,9999 x

your first step will be to isolate the variable term.

,9999 x

first!

In other words, do the additionor subtraction

9999 x

In other words, do the addition or subtraction

first!

9 9

9999 x

Now you have changed the equation to one you

can easily solve.

9 9

Now you have changed the equation to one you

can easily solve.

909 x9 9

Now you have changed the equation to one you

can easily solve.

10x

As you solve these,you just need to remember

one thing.

2113.1 x24215.2 x

587411.3 x

Do the addition or subtractionfirst!

2113.1 x24215.2 x

587411.3 x

2113.1 x

24215.2 x

587411.3 x

3.1 x

9.2 x

12.3 x