2022 Workshop: Math Concepts Review

Adapted from: José J Sánchez Rodríguez

Instructor: Marc A. Fontánez Ortiz
Basic Algebra
26TH May 2022
 Linear Algebra
In this section you will learn how to use the four steps method to solve linear
equations. This includes:
• One variable
• Decimals
• Fractions

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 Assessment
In order to maximize the learning process, the instructor will employ the following
techniques to assess the knowledge of the students:
• Open Questions

• Class Participation

• Practice problems

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Linear Equations of One Variable
Using Linear Equations of One Variable
Algebraic Expressions vs. Equations

In previous units, we looked indirectly at algebraic expressions:

– 9y + 5, 10k, and

Equations are statements that two algebraic expressions

are equal:

3x – 13 = 29, 2 + y = – 11, and 3m = 4m – 2

An equation always contains an equals sign, but an

expression does not.
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Using Linear Equations of One Variable
Linear Equations in One Variable

Linear Equation in One Variable

A linear equation in one variable can be written in the form

Ax + B = C
 

A linear equation is also called a first-degree equation since the

greatest power on the variable is one.

5x + 10 = 13
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Learn and use the four steps for solving a linear equation.
We solve more complicated equations using the following four-step
method.

Step 1: Simplify each side separately. Clear parentheses, using the

distributive property if needed, and combine all like terms.
Step 2: Isolate the variable term on one side. Use the addition property if
necessary so that the variable term is on one side of the equation
and a number is on the other.
Step 3: Isolate the variable. Use the multiplication property if
necessary to get the equation in the form x = a number. (Other letters may be
used for variables.)
Step 4: Check. Substitute the proposed solution into the original equation to
see if a true statement results.
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 EXAMPLE 1 Using the Four Steps to Solve
an Equation

Solve.

Solution: Check:

The solution set of the equation is {1}. 8

EXAMPLE 2 Using the Four Steps to Solve
an Equation

Solve.

Solution: Check:

The solution set of the equation is {−1}.

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Slide 2.3 - 9
EXAMPLE 3 Using the Four Steps to Solve
an Equation

Solve.

Solution: Check:

The solution set of the equation is 10

EXAMPLE 3 Using the Four Steps to Solve
an Equation

Be very careful with signs when solving an equation like the one in
the previous example. When clearing parentheses in the
expression remember that the − sign acts like a factor of −1 and
affects the sign of every term within the parentheses.

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EXAMPLE 4 Using the Four Steps to Solve
an Equation

Solve.

Solution: Check:

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Solve equations with fractions
or decimals as coefficients.

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Slide 2.3 - 13
 Solve equations with fractions or decimals as coefficients.

We clear an equation of fractions by multiplying each side by the least common

denominator (LCD) of all the fractions in the equation. It is a good idea to do this to
avoid messy computations.

Make sure to multiply each term of the equation by the LCD. It is

best to identify how many terms are in the equation before
multiplying.

When clearing an equation of fractions, be sure to

multiply every term on each side of the equation by
the LCD.
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Slide 2.3 - 14
EXAMPLE 5 Solving an Equation with
Fractions as Coefficients

Solve.

Solution: Check:

The solution set of the equation is {−7}. 15

EXAMPLE 6 Solving an Equation with
Decimals as Coefficients

Solve.

Solution:

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 Online References

https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/alg/solvelineareqns.aspx#:~:text=A%20linear%20equation%20is%20any,start%2
0off%20in%20this%20form.

https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/linear-equations.html

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/x2f8bb11595b61c86:linear-equations-graphs

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