GCSE Math Notes: Algebra - Solving
Linear Equations
Introduction to Linear Equations
A linear equation is an algebraic equation in which each term has an exponent of 1,
and the graphing of the equation results in a straight line. These equations are
fundamental in mathematics and are used to model various real-world situations.
Key Concepts
Variable: A symbol (usually a letter like x , y , or a ) that represents an unknown
value.
Constant: A fixed numerical value.
Coefficient: A numerical factor multiplied by a variable.
Term: A single number, a variable, or numbers and variables multiplied together.
Expression: A combination of terms connected by mathematical operations (e.g.,
3x + 5 ).
Equation: A statement that two expressions are equal (e.g., 3x + 5 = 14 ).
Methods for Solving Linear Equations
The goal of solving a linear equation is to find the value of the unknown variable that
makes the equation true. This is achieved by isolating the variable on one side of the
equation.
1. Balancing Method
The balancing method involves performing the same operation on both sides of the
equation to maintain equality. This ensures that the solution remains valid.
Rules for Balancing:
Addition/Subtraction: If you add or subtract a number from one side, you must
do the same to the other side.
Multiplication/Division: If you multiply or divide one side by a number, you must
do the same to the other side.
Example 1: Simple Equation
Solve for x : x + 7 = 15
1. Subtract 7 from both sides: x + 7 - 7 = 15 - 7
2. Simplify: x = 8
Example 2: Equation with Subtraction
Solve for y : y - 4 = 10
1. Add 4 to both sides: y - 4 + 4 = 10 + 4
2. Simplify: y = 14
Example 3: Equation with Multiplication
Solve for a : 3a = 21
1. Divide both sides by 3: 3a / 3 = 21 / 3
2. Simplify: a = 7
Example 4: Equation with Division
Solve for b : b / 5 = 6
1. Multiply both sides by 5: b / 5 * 5 = 6 * 5
2. Simplify: b = 30
2. Equations with Multiple Operations
When an equation involves more than one operation, follow the order of operations in
reverse (often remembered as PEMDAS/BODMAS in reverse).
Example 5: Two-Step Equation
Solve for x : 2x + 3 = 11
1. Subtract 3 from both sides: 2x + 3 - 3 = 11 - 3
2. Simplify: 2x = 8
3. Divide both sides by 2: 2x / 2 = 8 / 2
4. Simplify: x = 4
Example 6: Equation with Negative Coefficients
Solve for p : 10 - 4p = 2
1. Subtract 10 from both sides: 10 - 4p - 10 = 2 - 10
2. Simplify: -4p = -8
3. Divide both sides by -4: -4p / -4 = -8 / -4
4. Simplify: p = 2
3. Equations with Variables on Both Sides
To solve equations with variables on both sides, gather all variable terms on one side
and all constant terms on the other.
Example 7: Variables on Both Sides
Solve for m : 5m - 3 = 2m + 9
1. Subtract 2m from both sides: 5m - 3 - 2m = 2m + 9 - 2m
2. Simplify: 3m - 3 = 9
3. Add 3 to both sides: 3m - 3 + 3 = 9 + 3
4. Simplify: 3m = 12
5. Divide both sides by 3: 3m / 3 = 12 / 3
6. Simplify: m = 4
4. Equations with Brackets
If an equation contains brackets, expand them first using the distributive property,
then solve the resulting linear equation.
Example 8: Equation with Brackets
Solve for x : 3(x + 2) = 18
1. Expand the bracket: 3 * x + 3 * 2 = 18
2. Simplify: 3x + 6 = 18
3. Subtract 6 from both sides: 3x + 6 - 6 = 18 - 6
4. Simplify: 3x = 12
5. Divide both sides by 3: 3x / 3 = 12 / 3
6. Simplify: x = 4
Practice Problems
1. x + 9 = 20
2. 4y = 32
3. z / 7 = 5
4. 3a - 5 = 16
5. 12 - 2b = 4
6. 7c + 2 = 3c + 14
7. 5(d - 3) = 20
References
[1] BBC Bitesize. (n.d.). Solving linear equations. Retrieved from
[Link] [2] Khan Academy. (n.d.).
Solving equations with one variable. Retrieved from
[Link]
inequalities/x2f8bb11595b61c86:one-step-equations/v/solving-one-step-equations