Subject Code M1 Elementary Algebra

Module Code 5.2 Linear Equations in One Variable

Lesson Code 5.2.1 Kinds of Linear Equations in One Variable
Time Limit 30 minutes

TARGET

By the end of this module, students are expected to:

1. Distinguish the three (3) kinds of linear equation in one variable (Identity, Conditional and
Contradiction).

HOOK 3 minutes [Actual Time Allotment _____ mins]

Image from Aboitiz Power

The CoViD-19 pandemic has greatly affected the life of Filipino people. However, in the
middle of this tiring battle, some of our countrymen rise as the new heroes – the ones we call the
“frontliners”. But what does a frontliner do? There are different kinds of frontliners – medical personnel,
peace officers, and every worker out there who risk their health and safety (drivers, janitors, cashiers,
etc.) for the welfare of their fellow Filipinos. Each of them has a significant role in the situation that we
are facing right now.

In a similar fashion, in algebra, linear equations are also classified into different kinds. Each
kind has its characteristics that will give you a hint on the possible solutions that will satisfy each type
of equation. A linear equation in one variable (LEOV) is an equation of a straight line, written with one
variable. The highest exponent of the variable is 1. An LEOV may take the form ax+b=0 and are
solved using basic algebraic operations. In this module, we will classify LEOVs into three kinds.

Math 1 Page 1 of 5
 IGNITE 12 minutes [Actual Time Allotment _____ mins]

Definition: Identity

A linear equation is classified as an identity if the equation becomes true for all values.

Example:
4𝑎 = 3𝑎 + 𝑎 −19𝑧 = −19𝑧

𝑥+1−𝑥 = 1 𝑠 + 4 − 5 = −1 + 𝑠

In the given examples above, if you substitute any value to the variable, you will always end
up with a true statement.

4a = 3a + a is true when you substitute 1, 3, 10, −4, or any real number that you can think
of. This is because when you simplify the right side of the equation it is equal to the left side.
4a = 3a + a → 4a = 4a

The same happens when you simplify x + 1 − x = 1 → x − x + 1 = 1 → 1 = 1.

Can you simplify s + 4 − 5 = −1 + s and show that it is really an identity?

Definition: Conditional

A linear equation is classified as a conditional if the equation becomes true for some (but not
all) values.

Example:
𝑥 + 6 = −7 𝑤 = −35

3 − 𝑦 = −19 𝑣 − 3 = 2𝑣 − 3

In the given examples above, there are some values that will make each statement true, and
some values that will make the statement false.

x + 6 = 7 is true when we substitute 1 to the variable x, but becomes false when we substitute
another value, say 5.
Math 1 Page 2 of 5
 w = −35 is true when we substitute −35 to the variable w.

For what value of y will 3 − y = −19 be true?

For what value of v will v − 3 = 2v − 3 be true?

Definition: Contradiction

A linear equation is classified as a contradiction if the equation becomes a false statement for
all values.

Example:
ℎ + 5 = ℎ − 17 4𝑐 + 5 − 3𝑐 = 𝑐 + 7

𝑔−4 = 𝑔 2𝑑 + 3𝑑 = 5𝑑 − 8

In the given examples above, if you substitute any value to the variable, the statement always
end up false.

When we substitute 3 to h in h + 5 = h − 17, we end up getting 8 = −14, which is a

contradiction since 8 ≠ −14. When we substitute h with other values, we always get a
contradiction.

The example g − 4 = g is an obvious contradiction, since g − 4 ≠ g.

4c + 5 − 3c = c + 7 is also a contradiction. If we simplify the left side of the equation, we

will have 4c − 3c + 5 = c + 7 → c + 5 = c + 7. By law of transposition, we can move the c
on the left side to the other side. That is, c + 5 − c = 7 → 5 ≠ 7.

Math 1 Page 3 of 5
 NAVIGATE 10 minutes [Actual Time Allotment _____ mins]

Even-numbered items may be graded. Odd-numbered items have answers at the end of the lesson.
For submission of answers to even-numbered items and grading scheme, consult your teacher.

Directions: Identify whether each Linear Equation in One Variable is a/an Identity, Conditional or
Contradiction.

__________ 1. 𝑎 = 2𝑎 + 3

__________ 2. 𝑏 = 5 − 𝑏

__________ 3. 3𝑐 − 5 = 𝑐 − 5 + 2𝑐

__________ 4. 5𝑑 + 1 = 2𝑑 + 1 + 3𝑑

__________ 5. 7𝑒 = 𝑒 + 11

__________ 6. 2𝑓 + 𝑓 + 6 = 𝑓 + 2𝑓 − 6

__________ 7. 4(3𝑔) = 2(2𝑔 + 4𝑔)

__________ 8. ℎ + 10 = −5

__________ 9. 4(𝑗 + 5) = 4𝑗 + 20

__________ 10. 2𝑘 − 2𝑘 = 14 − 𝑘

KNOT

Points to Remember!

The following are the kinds of Linear Equations in One Variable:

Identity if the equation becomes true for all values.

Conditional if the equation becomes true for some (but not all) values.

Contradiction if the equation becomes a false statement for all values.

Math 1 Page 4 of 5
REFERENCES

Albarico, J. M. (2013). THINK Framework. (Based on Ramos, E.G. and N. Apolinario. (n.d.) Science
LINKS. Rex Bookstore, Inc.)

Alferez, M. S., & Duro, M. C. (2007). Algebra 1. MSA Academic Institute.

Ellis, W., & Burzynski, D. (2008). Elementary Algebra. Connexions.
Holliday, B., Cuevas G., Moore-Harris, B., & Carter, J. A. (2004). Algebra 1 Interactive Student
Edition (1st ed.). Glencoe.

More Ways to Say Thank you to our Frontliners [Online Image]. Aboitiz Power
https://aboitizpower.com/article/ways-say-thank-frontliners/

Sullivan, M. (2010). Algebra and Trigonometry. Prentice Hall.

Prepared by: DIVINE FAITH G. ALMOCERA Reviewed by: ROMMEL O. GREGORIO

Position: SST-I Position: SST V
Campus: PSHS-CRC Campus: PSHS-CLC

ANSWERS TO ODD-NUMBERED ITEMS

1. Conditional
3. Identity
5. Conditional
7. Identity
9. Identity

Math 1 Page 5 of 5
© 2020 Philippine Science High School System. All rights reserved. This document may contain proprietary information and may only be
released to third parties with approval of management. Document is uncontrolled unless otherwise marked; uncontrolled documents are
not subject to update notification.