Section 1 of 7

Learning Outcomes

Recognise a linear equation in one variable, and know what it means to solve one
Solve linear equations in one variable, including ones whose coefficients are fractions
Solve simple fractional equations that reduce to linear equations
Find the value of an unknown quantity in a given formula
Apply linear equations to solve real-world word problems

Contents▾

Why Equations Matter 5.1Linear Equations: Concept and Solving 5.2Linear Equations with Fractional Coefficients 5.3Fractional Equations 5.4Applications: Word Problems 5.5Mathematical Formulae Chapter Summary

Why Equations Matter

Hannah is packing stickers into folders. If she puts 8 in each folder, she has 3 stickers left over. If she puts 9 in each folder, she is 5 short. How many folders does she have?

Guessing works eventually; algebra works first time. Let $x$ be the number of folders. The stickers number $8x + 3$ one way and $9x - 5$ the other, so $8x + 3 = 9x - 5$ .

Practise this

Questions on Linear Equations, marked as you go, with the working shown.

Practise Linear Equations