Lesson 3
Linear equations
1. Solving linear equations
To solve a linear equation is to find the value of X or the variable in the question, or to find the solution
of the equation. Your objective is to separate the variable on one side, and numbers on the other side.
- Remember, to add or subtract fractions, they must have the same denominator.
- To multiply fractions , they don’t have to have same denominators.
How do I add fractions? How do I multiply fractions?
2 5 2 5
+ =¿ × =¿
3 6 3 6
1.1. Number of solutions of a linear equation
The equation ends up with one variable on one side, and a constant on the other side.
One Example: 2 ( x+3 )=8 (÷ 2)
Solution
x +3=4 ( - 3)
x=1
Infinite The equation ends up with no variables, but same constants on both sides.
Solutions
Example: 2 ( 2 x +3 ) +1=4 x +7
Or
4 x+ 6+1=4 x+ 7
All Real
numbers 0=0
The equation ends up with no variables, but different constants on both sides.
No Example: 2 ( 2 x +3 ) =4 x +7
Solution
4 x+ 6=4 x+ 7
6=7
2. Types of Slope in linear equations
2.1. Ways to calculate slope
A) Using two given points
y 2− y 1
m=
x 2−x 1
Example:
What is the slope of the line passing through the points( 1,-2) and ( 6,3) ?
3− (−2 ) 5
m= = =1 B) Using two points from a graph ( Rise / Run )
6−1 5
Rise y 2− y 1 1−(−2 ) −3
m= = =
Run x2− x1 1−5 4
C) Slope from different types of equations
y=mx+b Slope=m y−intercept =b y=3 x−5 m=3 b=−5
Slope intercept form
3 x−2 y=10
Standard form ax +by =c −a −3 3
Slope= Slope= =
b −2 2
y− y 1=m(x−x 1) Slope=m y−5=3 ( x−2 )
Point slope form Slope=3
x=a
Vertical line Slope=undefined x=3
Horizontal line y=b Slope=zero y=2
3. Relationship between two lines
3.1. Slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines
Parallel lines have same slopes
Perpendicular lines have negative reciprocal slopes
Examples:
What is the slope of the line that is:
1) parallel to the line y = 2x + 2 2) Parallel to the line 6x – 2 y + 8
3) Perpendicular to the line y = 2x + 2 4) Perpendicular to the line 6x – 2y = 8
4. Writing linear equations using two points
4.1. In slope intercept form
Write an equation in slope intercept form of a line that passes through the two points ( 2 , 4 ) and ( 3 , 10 )
Solution
y 2− y 1 10−4 6
Step 1: Calculate the slope m= = = =6
x 2−x 1 3−2 1
Step 2: Choose only 1 point from the two given points, then replace x, y, and m in slope - intercept form
y=mx+b
Choose the point ( 2 , 4 )∧slope=6
4 = 6 (2) + b
4 = 12 + b
b = -8
Step 3: Rewrite the equation by replacing m and b
y=mx+b
m = 6 and b = -8
y=6 x −8
Your turn ! - Write an equation in slope intercept form of a line passes through (1,2) and (3,3).
4.2. In standard form
Write an equation in standard form of a line that passes through the two points ( 3 , 4 ) and (−1 ,−4 )
Solution
Step 1: Write the equation first in slope intercept form using the same procedure in the previous page.
This gives ….. y=2 x−2
Step 2: Set the x and y on one side, and the constant on the other side
This gives ….. −2 x+ y=−2
4.3. In point slope form
Write an equation in standard form of a line that passes through the two points ( 3 , 4 ) and (−1 ,−4 )
Solution
y 2− y 1 −4−4
Step 1: Calculate the slope m= = =2
x 2−x 1 −1−3
Step 2: Choose only 1 point from the two given points, then replace x1, y1, and m in point - slope form
y− y 1=m(x−x 1) Choose ( 3 , 4 )∧m=2
y−4=2(x−3) 4. x and y intercepts
Question:
What is the slope, x-intercept, and y-intercept for the equation: 6x ─ 3y = 12
Solution
Practice
Questions
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Real ACT Questions
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