➕Pre-Algebra Unit 8 – Solving Linear Equations

What's the Deal with Linear Equations?

• Linear equations represent a straight line on a graph and have the general form $ax + b = c$, where $a$, $b$, and $c$ are constants and $x$ is the variable
• Consist of two expressions set equal to each other, one on each side of the equals sign
• Used to model real-world situations involving constant rates of change (cost per item, distance traveled per hour)
• Solving linear equations means finding the value of the variable that makes the equation true
• Play a fundamental role in algebra and serve as building blocks for more advanced mathematical concepts
  • Essential for understanding functions, graphing, and solving systems of equations
• Mastering linear equations lays the foundation for success in higher-level math courses (algebra, calculus)

Breaking Down the Basics

• Identify the parts of a linear equation: variable, coefficients, and constants
  • Variable: the unknown quantity represented by a letter, usually $x$ or $y$
  • Coefficient: the number multiplied by the variable (in $3x + 2 = 8$, the coefficient of $x$ is 3)
  • Constant: a number without a variable attached (in $3x + 2 = 8$, the constant is 2)
• Understand the concept of equality: what you do to one side of the equation, you must do to the other side to maintain balance
• Recognize like terms: terms with the same variable raised to the same power ($3x$ and $5x$ are like terms, but $3x$ and $5x^2$ are not)
• Combine like terms by adding or subtracting their coefficients ($3x + 5x = 8x$)
• Isolate the variable by performing inverse operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to both sides of the equation
• Check your solution by substituting the value back into the original equation to ensure it makes the equation true

Solving One-Step Equations

• One-step equations require a single operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) to isolate the variable
• Addition/Subtraction: If a constant is added to or subtracted from the variable, perform the opposite operation on both sides of the equation
  • Example: $x - 5 = 10$, add 5 to both sides to get $x = 15$
• Multiplication/Division: If the variable is multiplied or divided by a constant, perform the opposite operation on both sides of the equation
  • Example: $3x = 18$, divide both sides by 3 to get $x = 6$
• Always simplify the equation as much as possible before solving
• Remember to check your solution by substituting it back into the original equation

Tackling Two-Step Equations

• Two-step equations require two operations to isolate the variable, typically in a specific order
• First, use addition or subtraction to isolate the variable term on one side of the equation
  • Example: $2x + 3 = 11$, subtract 3 from both sides to get $2x = 8$
• Next, use multiplication or division to solve for the variable
  • Example: $2x = 8$, divide both sides by 2 to get $x = 4$
• Distribute if necessary: If there is a number outside parentheses, multiply it by each term inside the parentheses before solving
  • Example: $2(3x - 1) = 10$, distribute 2 to get $6x - 2 = 10$
• Remember the order of operations: Perform multiplication/division before addition/subtraction (PEMDAS)

Multi-Step Equations: The Boss Level

• Multi-step equations require three or more operations to solve, combining the strategies used in one-step and two-step equations
• Simplify the equation by combining like terms on each side of the equals sign
• Isolate the variable term using addition or subtraction, moving all other terms to the opposite side of the equation
• Use multiplication or division to solve for the variable
• Distribute when necessary and follow the order of operations (PEMDAS)
• Example: $3(2x - 1) + 4x = 5x + 9$
  • Distribute 3: $6x - 3 + 4x = 5x + 9$
  • Combine like terms: $10x - 3 = 5x + 9$
  • Subtract $5x$ from both sides: $5x - 3 = 9$
  • Add 3 to both sides: $5x = 12$
  • Divide both sides by 5: $x = \frac{12}{5}$
• Check your solution by substituting it into the original equation

Real-World Applications

• Linear equations are used to model and solve various real-world problems
• Calculating the cost of items: If you know the price per unit and the total cost, you can set up an equation to find the number of units purchased
  • Example: Apples cost $2 each, and you spent $10. Let $x$ be the number of apples. The equation is $2x = 10$, so you bought 5 apples
• Determining the time needed to travel a certain distance at a constant speed
  • Example: A car travels at 60 miles per hour. Let $x$ be the time in hours. To find how long it takes to travel 180 miles, set up the equation $60x = 180$. Solving for $x$, you get 3 hours
• Balancing chemical equations in science: Ensure the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation
• Calculating interest earned on investments or savings accounts with a fixed interest rate

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Forgetting to distribute: Always multiply the outside term by each term inside the parentheses
• Subtracting a negative: Remember that subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive
• Dividing by a negative: When dividing by a negative number, flip the inequality sign (if applicable)
• Misusing the equality sign: Ensure the expressions on both sides of the equals sign are balanced
• Losing track of signs: Be careful when moving terms from one side of the equation to the other, as the sign changes
• Not checking the solution: Always substitute your answer back into the original equation to verify its correctness
• Mixing up the order of operations: Remember PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction)

Practice Makes Perfect: Sample Problems

• Solve for $x$: $4x - 7 = 9$
  • Add 7 to both sides: $4x = 16$
  • Divide both sides by 4: $x = 4$
• Solve for $y$: $\frac{2}{3}y + 5 = 11$
  • Subtract 5 from both sides: $\frac{2}{3}y = 6$
  • Multiply both sides by $\frac{3}{2}$: $y = 9$
• Solve for $a$: $2(3a + 1) - 4a = 10$
  • Distribute 2: $6a + 2 - 4a = 10$
  • Combine like terms: $2a + 2 = 10$
  • Subtract 2 from both sides: $2a = 8$
  • Divide both sides by 2: $a = 4$
• Create your own linear equations and solve them to reinforce your understanding of the concepts