Linear Equations

A Linear Equation is an equation whose graph is a straight line. Each term has a degree of atmost 1. Each term can have degree 0 (constant term) or degree 1. A linear equation in one variable is an equation that involves only one variable x. Geeral form of linear equation can be written as ax + b = 0. There are no higher or lower order terms such as x², x³ or x^1/2. 

Example 1: 6x + 5 = 0 is a linear equation. Note that it is in the form ax + b = 0, where a and b are constants. In this case a = 6 and b = 2. Any equation which can be reduced to form ax + b is also called linear eqation.

Example 2: 7x + 3 = 9, this can be written as 7x - 6 = o

Example 3: 2(x+1) = 6(x-4) is also a linear equation.
Solving Linear Equations
Any linear equation can have only one solution. If you solve a linear equation, you will get one value of x. Solving linear equations is very simple. First, open all brackets and take all terms involving x to Left Hand Side (LHS) and constant terms to Right Hand Side (RHS). Then, using simple additions and subtractions, you will get the value of x.
Example 4:

2(x+1) = 6(x-4)

2x + 2 = 6x - 24

2x - 6x = - 24 - 2

- 4x = - 26

4x = 26

x = 26 / 4

x = 13 / 2 or 6.5

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