Solving Simple Linear Equations with Integer Coefficients

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Some examples are given below.
For a complete discussion of solving linear equations, read the text.
You may want to review these two tools:
The Addition Property of Equality
The Multiplication Property of Equality

EXAMPLES:

Solve:

$\,x - 3 = 5\,$

Answer:

$x = 8$
Note:
Some of these equations are so simple that you may want to solve them by inspection.
That is, just stop and think: What number, minus $\,3\,$, gives $\,5\,$?

Solve:

$\,2x = 5\,$

Answer:

$x = \frac{5}{2}$
Note:
You can input this answer as 2.5 or 5/2 .
That is, you can input answers as fractions or decimals.

Solve:

$\,2x - 1 = 5\,$

Answer:

$x = 3$
Note:
For some of the more complicated equations,
you may want to use the Addition and Multiplication Properties of Equality.

$2x-1=5$	original equation
$2x=6$	add $\,1\,$ to both sides
$x = 3$	divide both sides by $\,2$

Master the ideas from this section
by practicing the exercise at the bottom of this page.

When you're done practicing, move on to:
Solving More Complicated
Linear Equations with Integer Coefficients

For more advanced students, a graph is displayed.
For example, the equation $\,2x - 1 = 5\,$
is optionally accompanied by the graph of $\,y = 2x-1\,$ (the left side of the equation, dashed green)
and the graph of $\,y = 5\,$ (the right side of the equation, solid purple).
Notice that you are finding the value of $\,x\,$ where these graphs intersect.
Click the “show/hide graph” button if you prefer not to see the graph.