How to Solve First Degree Equations
A first degree equation is a mathematical equation that contains only one type of variable with an exponent no higher than 1. The variable is represented by a letter, usually "x", indicating an unknown quantity in the equation. The one variable can appear multiple times in a first degree equation. For example, an equation can include the variables "x", "3x" and "1/2x" and still be a first degree but if "x^2", or x squared, is present, it isn't a first degree equation. To solve first degree equations, you always want to set the equation equal to the variable.
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Instructions
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Isolate the variable to solve a first degree equation. Use the first degree equation 4x + 8 = 24 as a simple example. Subtract 8 from both sides: 4x = 16 . Divide each side by 4 to find the answer: x = 4.
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Work to solve a harder example of a first degree equation, working it piece by piece until the variable is isolated: 3x - 2 + x = 3 + (x/2). Add 2 to both sides: 3x + x = 3 + 2 + (x/2) or 3x + x = 5 + (x/2). Subtract (x/2) from both sides: 3x + x - (x/2) = 5. Simplify the expression: 4x - (x/2) = 5. Multiply both sides by 2: 8x - x = 10 or 7x = 10. Divide both sides by "7" = x = 10/7 or 1.43 (rounded).
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Try another complex first degree equation: 1/2 (4x - 6) = 3x + x - 7x. Simplify the right side: 1/2 (4x - 6) = -3x. Multiply the 1/2 through the parenthesis: 2x - 3 = -3x. Subtract 2x from both sides: -3 = -5x. Divide both sides by -5 to find your answer: 3/5 = x.
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