Subject: Mathematics

Topic: Linear Equations in One

Variable
Grade: VIII

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 Algebraic Expressions vs. Equations

In the previous chapter, we looked at algebraic

expressions:
a
–9 y + 5, 10k, and 2 5
- 7b c

Equations are statements that two algebraic expressions are

equal:
3x – 13 = 29, 2 + y = – 11, and 3m = 4m – 2

An equation always contains an equals sign, but

an expression does not.

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 Linear Equation in one Variable

A linear equation in one variable is an equation

which can be written in the form:

ax +b =c
wherea ,b , andc are real numbers witha 
0.
A linear equation is also called a first-degree
equation since the greatest power on the variable is
one.
5x + 10 = 13

CB/VIII/2122 Linear Equations in One Variable 3 of 12

 Why are the following Not linear
equations in one variable:

2
2x + 3y = 11 (x  1)2 =8 5  x 7
3x

Two variables x is squared. Variable in the

denominator

CB/VIII/2122 Linear Equations in One Variable 4 of 12

 Determine whether the following equations
are linear or nonlinear.

8x + 3 = –9 Yes, x is raised to the first

power.
No, x is not raised to the first
9x 3 – 8 = 15
power.
7 = No, x is not raised to the first
x power.
–12
x  4  16 No, x is not raised to the first
power.

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 Solution of a Linear Equation
A solution of a linear equation in one variable is a real number
which, when substituted for the variable in the equation, makes
the equation true.
Example: Is 3 a solution of 2x + 3 = 11?
2x + 3 = 11
2(3) + 3 = 11
6 + 3 = 11 False equation
3 is not a solution of 2x + 3 =
11.
Example: Is 4 a solution of 2x + 3 = 11?
2x + 3 = 11
2(4) + 3 = 11
8 + 3 = 11 True equation
4 is a solution of 2x + 3 = 11.
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 Solving Linear Equations in One Variable
Addition and Subtraction Property of Equations

Ifa =b , thena +c =b +c anda c =b c.

That is, the same number can be added to or subtracted from each side of
an equation without changing the solution of the equation.

Use these properties to solve linear equations.

Example: Solvex  5 = 12.

x  5 = 12 Original equation
x  5 + 5 = 12 + 5 Add 5 to both sides of the equation.

x = 17 17 is the solution.

17  5 = 12 Check the answer.

Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

CB/VIII/2122 Linear Equations in One Variable 7 of 12
 Solving Linear Equations in One Variable
Addition and Subtraction Property of Equations

Ifa =b , thena +c =b +c anda c =b c.

That is, the same number can be added to or subtracted from each side of
an equation without changing the solution of the equation.

Use these properties to solve linear equations.

Example: Solvex + 9 = 12

x + 9 = 12 Original equation
x + 9 – 9 = 12 – 9 Subtract 9 from both sides of the
equation.
x =3 3 is the solution.

3 + 9 = 12 Check the answer.

Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

CB/VIII/2122 Linear Equations in One Variable 8 of 12
 Multiplication and Division Property of Equations

a b
Ifa =b andc  0, thenac =bc and  .
c c
That is, an equation can be multiplied or divided by the
same nonzero real number without changing the
solution of the equation.
Example: Solve 2x + 7 = 19.
2x + 7 = 19 Original equation
2x + 7  7 = 19  7 Subtract 7 from both sides.
2x = 12 Simplify both sides.
1 1
 (2 x)  (1 2 ) Multiply both the sides by1 .
2 2 2

x =6 6 is the solution.
2(6) + 7 = 12 + 7 = 19 Check the answer.
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 Solving an Equation with a Variable on One Side

Solve 3x + 2 = 10.

3x + 2 – 2 = 10 – Subtract 2.
2
3x = 8 Simplify
3x 8
  Divide by 3.
3 3
8
 x  Required solution.
3
. 8
The solution of the equation is
3
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Check by substituting the obtained solution back into the original
equation.
3x + 2 = 10

3× 8 + 2 = 10
3
Since the value of each side is 10, the
8 + 2 = 10 obtained solution is correct.

. 8
Thus, the solution of the equation is
3

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