Linear equations are fundamental in mathematics and form the basis for

understanding more complex algebraic concepts. They represent relationships where

the change between variables is constant and can be graphed as a straight line.
Here's an introduction to linear equations:

Basic Concepts
Definition:

A linear equation is an algebraic equation in which each term is either a constant

or the product of a constant and a single variable. Linear equations can be written
in the form
𝑎
𝑥
+
𝑏
=
0
ax+b=0 or
𝑦
=
𝑚
𝑥
+
𝑐
y=mx+c, where
𝑎
a,
𝑏
b,
𝑚
m, and
𝑐
c are constants,
𝑥
x is the variable, and
𝑦
y is the dependent variable.
Standard Form:

The standard form of a linear equation in two variables is

𝐴
𝑥
+
𝐵
𝑦
=
𝐶
Ax+By=C, where
𝐴
A,
𝐵
B, and
𝐶
C are constants, and
𝑥
x and
𝑦
y are variables. For example,
3
𝑥
+
2
𝑦
=
6
3x+2y=6 is a linear equation in standard form.
Slope-Intercept Form:

The slope-intercept form of a linear equation is

𝑦
=
𝑚
𝑥
+
𝑏
y=mx+b, where
𝑚
m is the slope of the line, and
𝑏
b is the y-intercept (the value of
𝑦
y when
𝑥
=
0
x=0). For example,
𝑦
=
2
𝑥
+
3
y=2x+3 is a linear equation in slope-intercept form.
Slope:

The slope (
𝑚
m) of a line measures its steepness and is calculated as the change in
𝑦
y divided by the change in
𝑥
x between two points on the line:
𝑚
=
𝑦
2
−
𝑦
1
𝑥
2
−
𝑥
1
m=
x
2
 −x
1

y
2

−y
1

.
Y-Intercept:

The y-intercept (
𝑏
b) is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. In the equation
𝑦
=
𝑚
𝑥
+
𝑏
y=mx+b,
𝑏
b represents the y-intercept.
Solving Linear Equations
One Variable:

To solve a linear equation in one variable, isolate the variable on one side of the
equation.
Example:
3
𝑥
+
5
=
11
3x+5=11
Subtract 5 from both sides:
3
𝑥
=
6
3x=6
Divide by 3:
𝑥
=
2
x=2
Two Variables:

To solve a system of linear equations in two variables, you can use methods such as
substitution, elimination, or graphing.
Example:
2
𝑥
+
𝑦
=
5
2x+y=5
𝑥
−
𝑦
=
1
x−y=1
Add the equations to eliminate
𝑦
y:
(
2
𝑥
+
𝑦
)
+
(
𝑥
−
𝑦
)
=
5
+
1
(2x+y)+(x−y)=5+1
3
𝑥
=
6
3x=6
𝑥
=
2
x=2
Substitute
𝑥
=
2
x=2 into one of the original equations to find
𝑦
y:
2
(
2
)
+
𝑦
=
5
2(2)+y=5
4
+
𝑦
=
5
4+y=5
𝑦
=
1
y=1
Solution:
(
𝑥
,
𝑦
)
=
(
2
,
1
)
(x,y)=(2,1)
Applications
Real-World Problems:

Linear equations are used to model and solve real-world problems involving constant
rates of change. Examples include calculating costs, predicting trends, and
determining distances.
Graphing:

Linear equations can be graphed on a coordinate plane. The graph of a linear

equation is a straight line, where each point on the line represents a solution to
the equation.
Economics:

In economics, linear equations are used to model supply and demand, cost functions,
and profit maximization.
Physics:

In physics, linear equations describe relationships such as speed (distance = rate

× time) and Hooke's law for springs (force = constant × displacement).
Examples
One Variable:

Solve for
𝑥
x:
4
𝑥
−
7
=
9
4x−7=9
Add 7 to both sides:
4
𝑥
=
16
4x=16
Divide by 4:
𝑥
=
4
x=4
Two Variables:

Solve the system:

𝑥
+
2
𝑦
=
8
x+2y=8
3
𝑥
−
𝑦
=
7
3x−y=7
Use substitution or elimination to find
𝑥
x and
𝑦
y.
Conclusion
Linear equations are a foundational concept in algebra that describe relationships
with a constant rate of change. They are widely applicable in various fields,
including science, engineering, economics, and everyday problem-solving.
Understanding how to solve and graph linear equations is essential for further
studies in mathematics and related disciplines.