Solving Linear Equations and Inverses

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation that makes a straight line when graphed. It can be written in the form ax + b = c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

What does it mean to solve a linear equation?

Back

To solve a linear equation means to find the value of the variable that makes the equation true.

Front

What is the inverse operation of addition?

Back

The inverse operation of addition is subtraction.

Front

What is the inverse operation of multiplication?

Back

The inverse operation of multiplication is division.

Front

If 3x = 15, what is the value of x?

Back

x = 5, because you divide both sides by 3.

Front

What does it mean if an equation has infinitely many solutions?

Back

It means that any value of the variable will satisfy the equation, often because both sides of the equation are identical.

Front

What does it mean if an equation has no solution?

Back

It means that there is no value for the variable that will make the equation true, often because the two sides are contradictory.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

You isolate a variable by performing inverse operations to both sides of the equation until the variable is alone on one side.

Front

What is the solution to the equation 2x + 5 = -2x + 5?

Back

x = 0, because when you combine like terms, you find that 4x = 0.

Front

What does /3 mean in an equation?

Back

It means to divide by 3.