Solving Linear Equations

A linear equation has a letter to the first power and an equals sign, like $2x + 5 = 17$. Solving means finding the value of the letter that makes both sides equal. The golden rule: whatever you do to one side, do to the other — that keeps the equation balanced and true.

Undo the operations around $x$ using inverse operations, dealing with $+$ or $-$ before $\times$ or $\div$.

Worked example. Solve $2x + 5 = 17$.

Check: $2(6) + 5 = 17$ ✓