Linear Equations

Kirti Sharma
October 2024

1 Introduction
Linear Equation
A linear equation is an equation in which the highest power of the variable or
degree is always 1 It can be written in the form:

ax + b = 0

Where:
• x is the variable,
• a and b are constants and a is never equal to 0

NOTE: The solution of a linear equation is the value (or set of values) for
the variable that make the equation true. In other words, when these values are
substituted into the equation, both sides of the equation become equal.

Steps to Solve a Linear Equation

1. Isolate the Variable
Perform operations to get the variable on one side of the equation and constants
on the other side.

• Addition/Subtraction: If there is a constant added to or subtracted

from the variable, perform the opposite operation to both sides.
Example:
x + 5 = 12
Subtract 5 from both sides:

x = 12 − 5 ⇒ x=7

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 Verify the Solution
To verify, always perform the following steps:
– Substitute the solution into the original equation.
– Simplify both sides of the equation.
– Ensure that both sides are equal.
Verifying solutions helps in confirming that no mistakes were made during
the solving process and the solution is valid.
Example: For the equation 3x − 2 = 7, solving gives x = 3. Substituting
this back:
3(3) − 2 = 9 − 2 = 7
Since both sides are equal, the solution x = 3 is correct.
• Multiplication/Division: If the variable is multiplied by a number,
divide both sides by that number.
Example:
3x = 15
Divide both sides by 3:
15
x= ⇒ x=5
3

You can similarly verify for this one.

1. Conditional Solutions
Definition: Conditional solutions occur when a linear equation has one unique
solution. In this case, the equation is satisfied by a specific value of the variable.
Example: Consider the linear equation:

2x + 3 = 7

Solution Steps:
1. Subtract 3 from both sides:

2x = 7 − 3

2x = 4

2. Divide by 2:
4
x= =2
2
Conclusion: The solution is x = 2, which is the only value that satisfies
the equation.

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2. Identity Solutions
Definition: Identity solutions occur when the equation is true for all values of
the variable. This happens when the two sides of the equation simplify to the
same expression.
Example: Consider the linear equation:

3(x − 1) = 3x − 3

Solution Steps:
1. Distribute on the left side:

3x − 3 = 3x − 3

2. Subtract 3x from both sides:

−3 = −3

Conclusion: The equation is always true, regardless of the value of x. Thus,

there are infinitely many solutions.

3. Contradiction Solutions
Definition: Contradiction solutions occur when there are no solutions to the
equation. This happens when simplifying the equation leads to a false statement.
Example: Consider the linear equation:

4x + 5 = 4x − 3

Solution Steps:

1. Subtract 4x from both sides:

5 = −3

Conclusion: This statement is false, indicating that there are no values of

x that can satisfy the equation. Thus, the equation has no solutions.

Summary
• Conditional Solutions: One unique solution (e.g., x = 2).
• Identity Solutions: True for all values of x (e.g., −3 = −3).

• Contradiction Solutions: No solutions (e.g., 5 = −3).

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Example 1:
Solve the equation:
7 − 3(2x − 1) = 2(4 − x) + 5
Solution: First, expand both sides:

7 − 6x + 3 = 8 − 2x + 5

Combine like terms:

10 − 6x = 13 − 2x
Add 6x to both sides:
10 = 13 + 4x
Subtract 13 from both sides:

10 − 13 = 4x ⇒ −3 = 4x

Now divide by 4:
3
x=−
4
*NOTE*: To find the LCM of two or more numbers, you can use the follow-
ing method: 1. **List the multiples** of each number until you find a common
multiple. 2. **Select the smallest** common multiple as the LCM.

1.1 Example 2:
Solve the equation:
x x
+ =5
4 6
Solution: The denominators are 4 and 6. The LCM of these numbers is
12. Finding the LCM: The denominators are 4 and 6. The multiples are:
- Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, . . . - Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, . . .. The least
common multiple is 12 for 4 and 6.
Multiply the entire equation by 12:
x x
12 · + 12 · = 12 · 5
4 6
This simplifies to:
3x + 2x = 60
Combine like terms:
5x = 60
Now, divide by 5:
60
x= ⇒ x = 12
5

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Example 3:
Solve the equation:
3 2 1
x− =
5 3 2
Finding the LCM: The denominators are 5, 3, and 2. The multiples are:
- Multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, . . . - Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, . . . - Multiples of
2: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, . . .
The smallest common multiple is **30**. Multiply the entire equation with
30 and solve furthur:

Exercise 1:
Solve the equation:
3 1 5
x− =
8 4 12
Finding the LCM:

Solution Steps:

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Exercise 3:
Solve the equation:
1 1 1
+ =
x+3 x−2 6
Finding the LCM:

Solution Steps: