Describe in your own words how to solve a linear equation or inequality

We can't tell you what YOUR own words are.

To solve a linear equation or inequality, follow these steps:

1. Start by simplifying both sides of the equation or inequality if needed. Combine like terms and get rid of any parentheses.
2. If there are any fractions, clear the equation of fractions by multiplying both sides by the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
3. Next, isolate the variable on one side of the equation or inequality. Move all the terms containing the variable to one side, while keeping the constant terms on the other side.
4. If necessary, apply the distributive property to eliminate parentheses.
5. Simplify both sides of the equation or inequality by combining like terms.
6. If it is an equation, solve for the variable by applying inverse operations. If it is an inequality, determine the range of the variable that satisfies the inequality.
7. Check your solution by plugging it back into the original equation or inequality to make sure it is valid.

Remember these key concepts when solving linear equations or inequalities:
- Inverse operations: To isolate the variable, you can use inverse operations such as addition/subtraction, multiplication/division, or taking the square root.
- Equality: An equation asserts that two expressions are equal, while an inequality shows a relationship between two expressions that can be greater than, less than, greater than or equal to, or less than or equal to.
- Solving for the variable: Your goal is to determine the value(s) of the variable that make the equation or inequality true.

By following these steps and understanding the central concepts, you can successfully solve linear equations and inequalities.