Section 5.

1 Solving First-Degree
Equations
Variable terms -- each term contains a
variable.
Constant term -- it does not contain a variable.
Each variable term is composed of a
numerical coefficient and a variable part (the
variable or variables and their exponents).

Like terms of a variable expression are terms with the same

variable part. Constant terms are also like terms.

An equation expresses the equality of two mathematical

expressions.
 Example: 8+5=13; 4y - 6 = 10;
 x^2 - 2x + 1 = 0; b=7

 First degree means that the variable has an

exponent of 1.
 Example: x + 11 = 14; 3z + 5 = 8z
2(6y - 1) = 34
 A solution of an equation is a number that,
when substituted for the variable, results in a
true equation.
 3 is a solution of the equation x + 4 = 7
because 3 + 4 = 7.
 9 is not a solution of the equation x + 4 = 7
because 9 + 4 is not equal to 7.
 To solve an equation means to find all
solutions of the equation.
 The following properties of equations are
often used to solve equations.
 Addition Property
If a = b, then a + c = b + c.
 Subtraction Property
If a = b, then a - c = b - c.
 Multiplication Property
If a = b and c not 0, then ac = bc.
 Division Property
If a = b and c is not 0, then a/c=b/c.
 In solving a first-degree equation in one
variable, the goal is to rewrite the equation
with the variable alone on one side of the
equation and a constant term on the other
side of the equation.
EXAMPLE 1.
Solve.
a). y - 8 = 17
b). 4x = -2
c). - 5 = 9 + b
d). - a = - 36
CHECK YOUR PROGRESS 1

Solve.
a. c – 6 = -13
b. 4 = -8z
c. 22 + m = -9
d. 5x = 0
Steps for Solving a First-Degree
Equation in One Variable

1. If the equation contains fractions, multiply each side of

the equation by the least common multiple (LCM) of
the denominators to clear the equation of fractions.
2. Use the Distributive Property to remove parentheses.
3. Combine any like terms on the right side of the
equation and any like terms on the left side of the
equation.
4. Use the Addition or Subtraction Property to rewrite the
equation with only one variable term and only one
constant term.
5. Use the Multiplication or Division Property to rewrite
the equation with the variable alone on one side of the
equation and a constant term on the other side of the
equation.
EXAMPLE 2
Solve
a. 5x + 9 = 23 - 2x
b. 8x - 3(4x - 5) = -2x + 6
EXAMPLE 3. Forensic scientists have
determined that the equation
H = 2.9L + 78.1

can be used to approximate the height H, in

centimeters, of an adult based on the length L, in
centimeters, of the adult's humerus (the bone
extending from the shoulder to the elbow).
a. Use this formula to approximate the height of an
adult whose humerus meas­ures 36 centimeters.
b. According to this formula, what is the length of the
humerus of an adult whose height is 168
centimeters?
Literal Equations
A literal equation is an equation that
contains more than one variable.

A formula is a literal equation that

states a rule about measurement.