how do you solve a linear equation?
To solve a linear equation, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by simplifying the equation as much as possible by combining like terms if there are any. This will help make the equation easier to work with.
2. Next, isolate the variable term on one side of the equation by getting rid of any constant terms (numbers) that are attached to it. To do this, you can use inverse operations. For example, if there is an addition or subtraction of a number, you can perform the opposite operation (subtraction or addition) to both sides of the equation, thus canceling out the constant term.
3. Once the variable is isolated on one side, evaluate or simplify the other side of the equation.
4. Finally, to find the value of the variable, solve for it by performing any necessary operation(s) on both sides of the equation to get it by itself. The goal is to end up with the variable equal to a single value.
It's important to remember that whatever operation you perform on one side of the equation, you must do the same to the other side to maintain the equation's balance.
By following these steps, you will be able to solve linear equations and find the value of the variable.