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Linear Equations Calculator

QUICK LINKS

STUDENT
TEACHER

Linear Equations Calculator

Linear Equations

CALCULATOR
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Linear Equations Calculator

What variable are you solving for?
We have some questions for you! Help us out through this
INTRO
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An equation is a math sentence that uses an equals sign to tell us two values or expressions are equal.

Think of an equation as a scale. If we change one side of the equation, we have to do the same thing to the other side to keep the equation balanced (true).

Try playing around with the scale below to see for yourself!

Now let’s take a look at another equation:

Notice that this equation mostly just has numbers, but it also has an in there. This is what we call a variable.

In math, a variable is a symbol, usually a letter like , that represents a number or value we don’t know yet but want to find.

This equation is also an example of a linear equation. A linear equation is an equation that does not have any variables with exponents, and when graphed, forms a straight line.
Solving a linear equation is all about finding the unknown value of a variable.

If we imagine the equation as weights on a scale, the variable is like a weight with an unknown value that we can solve for once we get it by itself.

To isolate the variable, we use inverse operations, which undo the effects of other operations.

Remember, we have to apply the inverse operations to both sides of the equation to keep the equation balanced.

Think of this as needing to add the same weight to both sides to keep the scale balanced.

Check out our
Calculator
or explore our
Lesson
and
Practice
sections to learn more about solving linear equations and test your understanding.

You can also use the Quick Links menu on the left to jump to a section of your choice.

You can also use the Quick Links dropdown above to jump to a section of your choice.

KEY STEPS
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How to Solve Linear Equations

Step 1. Move all the terms with the unknown variable to one side of the equation.

Use inverse operations to do this.
Make sure to do the same inverse operation on both sides to keep the equation balanced.

Step 2. Move all the terms with known values or variables to the other side of the equation.

Use inverse operations to do this.
Make sure to do the same inverse operation on both sides to keep the equation balanced.

Step 3. Isolate the unknown variable.

Since division is the inverse operation of multiplication, we divide both sides by the number the variable is multiplied by.
LESSON
— Solving Linear Equations
PRACTICE
— Solving Linear Equations
CONCLUSION
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