Year 7: Solve simple linear equations

This cheat sheet will help you solve simple linear equations. A linear equation means an equation where the highest power of the variable (usually 'x') is 1.

What is a Linear Equation?

A linear equation is an equation that can be written in the form: x + a = b or x = b where 'b' is a number.

Steps to Solve Simple Linear Equations

1. Isolate the Variable: Your goal is to get 'x' all by itself on one side of the equation.
2. Undo Addition or Subtraction: If there's a number being added or subtracted from the side with 'x', do the opposite operation to both sides. Remember, whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other to keep the equation balanced.
3. Undo Multiplication or Division: If 'x' is being multiplied or divided by a number, divide or multiply both sides by that number to get 'x' alone.

Example: x + 3 = 7

1. Subtract 3 from both sides: x + 3 - 3 = 7 - 3
2. Simplify: x = 4

Example: 2x = 10

1. Divide both sides by 2: x = 10 / 2
2. Simplify: x = 5

Practice these steps, and you'll be solving linear equations like a pro!