By: Cassandra Kessler

Ed. 205 Sec. 16

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Solving a Linear EquationDefinitions

Intro Video

Steps to Solving a Linear Equation

Example 1Steps to Solving

Example 2Steps to Solving

Review Video

Practice ProblemsAnswer to Practice Problem 1Answer to Practice Problem 2

Author’s Page

Resources Page

Concept Map

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Definitions Linear Equation: a mathematical

expression that has an equal sign and linear expressions

Variable: a number that you don’t know, often represented by “x” or “y” but you can use any letter

Linear Expression: a mathematical statement that performs functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and divisionThe variable can’t have exponents, can’t

multiply or divide two variables, and can’t find the variable under a square root symbol.

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Intro Video

Click to Play

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Steps to Solving a Linear Equation1. Isolate the terms that contain the

variable you wish to solve for.

2. Isolate the variable you wish to solve for.

3. Substitute your answer into the original equation and check that it works.

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Example 1

Solve for x if 2x + 4 = 10

Steps to Solving

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1. Isolate “x” to one side of the equation by subtracting 4 from both sides.

2. Divide both sides by 2.

3. Check your work with the original equation.

2x + 4 – 4 = 10 – 4

2x = 6

2x/2 = 6x/2

x = 3

2x + 4 = 10

(2 * 3) + 4 = 10

6 + 4 = 10

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Example 2

Solve for x if3x – 4 = -10

Steps to Solving

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1. Isolate “x” to one side of the equation by adding 4 to both sides.

2. Divide both sides by 3.

3. Check your work in the original equation.

3x – 4 + 4 = -10 + 4

3x = -6

3x/3 = -6/3

x = -2

(3 * -2) – 4 = -10

-6 – 4 = -10

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Review Video

Click to Play

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Practice Problems

1. 4x – 4 = 8

2. x + 3^2 = 12

Answer

Answer

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Answer to Practice Problem 1

1. Isolate “x” to one side of the equation by adding 4 to each side.

2. Divide both sides by 4.

3. Check your work in your original equation.

4x – 4 + 4 = 8 + 44x = 12

4x/4 = 12/4x = 3

(4 * 3) – 4 = 812 – 4 = 8

4x – 4 = 8

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Back to Practice Problem

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Answer to Practice Problem 2

1. Square the number.

2. Subtract both sides by 9.

3. Check your work in the original equation.

x + 3^2 = 12

x + 9 = 12

x + 9 – 9 = 12 - 9

x = 3

3 + 3^2 = 12

3 + 9 = 12

x + 3^2 = 9

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Back to Practice Problem

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Resources

Definitions, Examples, and Practice Problems

http://www.studygs.net/equations.htm

Intro and Review Videos

http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=49604D23-FEAE-4AF1-A633-034934CBC384&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US

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Author’s Page

My name is Cassandra Kessler and I’m a student at Grand Valley State University. I am in my second year and I’m majoring in Mathematics for Secondary Education. I hope to teach Pre-Algebra and Algebra.

kessler.cassandra@gmail.comQuit

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