You already know how

to solve
equations
like these:

3 x 45

x9 2

Use inverse operations

to isolate
the variable.

3 x 45
3
3

x9 2
9 9

Use inverse operations

to isolate
the variable.

x 15

x 7

But most linear equations

are slightly more
complicated.

4 x 21 5

In mathematics,
the goal is often to change
something we dont
know how to do . . .

4 x 21 5

. . . into something
we already
know how to do.

4 x 21 5
21 21
4 x 16

You can solve

this equation.

4 x 16
4 4

You can solve

this equation.

x4

Given a linear equation

in the form,

c, ,
9axx b9 99

your first step will be to

isolate the variable term.

9 x 9 99,

In other words,
do the addition
or subtraction

first!

In other words,
do the addition
or subtraction

first!

9 x 9 99
9 9

Now you have changed

the equation to one you
can easily solve.
9 x 9 99
9 9

Now you have changed

the equation to one you
can easily solve.
9 x 90
9 9

Now you have changed

the equation to one you
can easily solve.
x 10

As you solve these,

you just need to remember
one thing.

1. 3x 11 2
2. 5 x 21 24
3. 11x 74 58

Do the addition
or subtraction

first!
1. 3x 11 2
2. 5 x 21 24
3. 11x 74 58

1. 3x 11 2
1. x 3
2. 5 x 21 24
2. x 9
3. 11x 74 58
3. x 12