A surprising number of occupations use linear equations. In math, linear equations use two or more variables that produce a graph that proceeds in straight line, such as y = x + 2. Learning how to use and solve linear equations can be vital to entering some popular careers. Careers using linear equations range from health care workers to store clerks and everything in between.

Managers in a variety of fields are required to use linear equations to calculate measurements, make purchases, evaluate raises and determine how many employees are required to complete specific jobs. Some of the more common managerial positions using linear equations include advertising, real estate, funeral director, purchasing and agriculture. For example, an advertising manager might plan an online ad campaign budget using linear equations based on the cost per click.

Financial occupations often require the use of linear equations. Accountants, auditors, budget analysts, insurance underwriters and loan officers frequently use linear equations to balance accounts, determine pricing and set budgets. Linear equations used in financial occupations may also be used in creating family budgets as well. A financial planner, for example, uses linear equations to determine the total worth of a client's stocks.

Computer programmers and support specialists must be able to solve linear equations. Linear equations are used within software applications, on websites and security settings, which must be programmed by a computer programmer. Support specialists must be able to understand linear equations to troubleshoot many software and networking issues. A programmer, for example, might use linear equations to calculate the time needed to update a large database of information.

Scientists of all types use linear equations on a regular basis. Life, physical and social scientists all have situations where linear equations make their jobs easier. Biologists to chemists all use the same linear equation format to solve problems such as determining ingredient portions, sizes of forests and atmospheric conditions. A chemist might, for example, set up several linear equations to find the right combination of chemicals needed for an experiment.

Engineering is one of the most well-known fields for using linear equations. Engineers include architects, surveyors and a variety of engineers in fields such as:

• biomedical
  
• chemical
  
• electrical
  
• mechanical
  
• nuclear

Linear equations are used to calculate measurements for both solids and liquids. An electrical engineer, for example, uses linear equations to solve problems involving voltage, current and resistance.

Human resources positions and even store clerks may find the need for linear equations. This is most common when calculating payroll and purchases without calculators. Linear equations are also used when placing orders for supplies and products, and can help find the lowest costs for an order, taking into account prices and volume discounts.

The construction field frequently uses linear equations when measuring and cutting all types of materials for job sites. Both carpenters and electricians are included in the construction field and use linear equations on many of the jobs they do. A carpenter might, for example, use a linear equation to estimate the cost of wood and nails for a remodeling project.

The health care field, including doctors and nurses, often use linear equations to calculate medical doses. Linear equations are also used to determine how different medications may interact with each other and how to determine correct dosage amounts to prevent overdose with patients using multiple medications. Doctors also use linear equations to calculate doses based on a patient's weight.