How to Write Linear Equations in Standard Form

Linear equations allow you to plot the variables on a line graph when solved. The most common linear equations have two unsolved variables, usually represented by an X and Y. To write a linear equation in standard form, you must format it as ax + by = c. In the example equation, the a, b and c all stand for the numerical values, whereas the X and Y are the points on the plot.

Instructions

1. Assess your equation to figure out how to set the equation in standard form. For example, the equation 3y + 12 = -4x is written as by + c = ax.

2. Move the C term to the other side of the equation. To do this in the equation written in Step 1, you would subtract 12 from both sides. The equation would then read 3y = -4x - 12.

3. Group the ax and by integers together on the same side. To do this in the example equation, you would subtract 4x from both sides. As such, the equation would then read 4x + 3y = -12, or standard form.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are dealing with fractions or decimals, multiply all of the values by either the least common denominator of the fraction, or if dealing with decimals, multiply the entire fraction by the multiple of ten to make it a whole number. For example, 10 if the decimal is .5, 100 if it is .50.

References

• Linear Equations: What is it? at MathSteps