Linear equations are a fundamental concept in the study of linear models.

A linear equation
is an equation that describes a straight line on a graph. In other words, it is an equation that
can be represented by a straight line. Linear equations are used to model many different
types of data, such as temperature, distance, and time. They are also used in many different
fields, such as physics, engineering, and economics. Linear equations have a standard form,
which is y = mx + b. In this equation, y represents the dependent variable, x represents the
independent variable, m represents the slope of the line, and b represents the y-intercept.
The slope of a line is the ratio of the change in y to the change in x. The y-intercept is the
point where the line crosses the y-axis. Linear equations can be graphed on a coordinate
plane, with the independent variable on the x-axis and the dependent variable on the y-axis.
Linear equations can be solved for different variables using algebraic techniques. For
example, if we have an equation in the form y = mx + b, we can solve for x by rearranging
the equation to get x = (y - b)/m. This gives us the value of x for any given value of y.
Similarly, we can solve for y to get y = mx + b. Solving linear equations is an important skill
in many different fields, as it allows us to make predictions and analyze data.

Simplified
Linear equations are like instructions that help us understand a straight line
on a graph. They can help us figure out things like temperature, distance,
and time. We use them in subjects like physics, engineering, and
economics. A linear equation looks like this: y = mx + b. The "y" is the thing
we want to find out, the "x" is something we already know, the "m" tells us
how steep the line is, and the "b" tells us where the line crosses the y-axis.
We can draw the line on a graph with the x-axis and y-axis. We can also
solve the equation to find out different things. For example, if we know y
and want to find x, we can use algebra to rearrange the equation. Solving
linear equations is important because it helps us make predictions and
understand data.
Example
Example 1: Temperature Conversion

Suppose we have an equation that relates temperature in Celsius (C) to

temperature in Fahrenheit (F), given by the equation F = 1.8C + 32. This is a
linear equation in standard form. The slope of the line is 1.8, which
represents the rate at which the temperature in Fahrenheit changes with
respect to the temperature in Celsius. The y-intercept is 32, which is the
temperature in Fahrenheit when the temperature in Celsius is 0. By
graphing this equation on a coordinate plane, we can visually see the
relationship between the two temperature scales.
Example 2: Distance and Time

Consider an equation that relates distance (d) to time (t) for a moving
object, given by the equation d = 60t. This equation describes a linear
relationship between distance and time, with a slope of 60. This means that
for every unit of time that passes, the distance traveled increases by 60
units. The y-intercept is 0, indicating that when time is 0, the distance
traveled is also 0. This equation can be used to model the motion of an
object and make predictions about its position at different points in time.

Example 3: Economics Supply and Demand

In economics, linear equations are used to model supply and demand

relationships. For example, if we have an equation that represents the
supply of a product, given by the equation Qs = 50p + 100, where Qs
represents the quantity supplied and p represents the price, we can analyze
the relationship between price and quantity supplied. The slope of the line,
50, represents the rate at which the quantity supplied changes with respect
to the price. The y-intercept is 100, indicating that when the price is 0, the
quantity supplied is 100 units. By solving this equation for different values
of p, we can determine how much of the product will be supplied at
different price levels.