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How To

How to Solve Single-Variable Linear Equations

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(26 Ratings)

Keep in mind that your equation should be in the form ax + b = c. The goal is to solve for x.

From Quick Guide: Arithmetic Basics
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Isolate the variable. Begin by subtracting b from both sides of the equation.

  2. Step 2

    Look at your new equation. It should now be in the form ax = c - b.

  3. Step 3

    Solve for x by dividing both sides by a.

  4. Step 4

    Congratulate yourself if your expression is now in the form x = (c - b)/a. You have solved the expression for x.

Tips & Warnings
  • Example: 3x + 6 = 12. Subtract 6 from both sides: 3x = 6. Divide both sides by 3 to determine that x = 2.

Comments  

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on 10/6/2009 Nice, quick simple explanation without clutter!

lanijo said

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on 1/27/2009 Great article.

fooshenip said

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on 10/2/2008 Love this article, I'm alwsys looking for ways to improve my brain power. Thanks

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