Section Objectives
A linear equation is an equation in which each variable appears only with an exponent of 1 and not in the denominator of a fraction nor in a radical.
For now, we will focus on linear equations of one variable. Every linear equation in one variable, , can be written in the form .
To solve an equation means to find ALL replacements for the variable that make the equation true. We typically solve linear equations by constructing a sequence of simpler, equivalent equations. At some point in this process, the solution becomes obvious.
Solve for :
Important note: At any step in the process above, it could be helpful to clear fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by the LCM of all denominators.
In mathematics, there is a well-known, very broad, four-step problem solving process:
Understand the problem.
Devise a plan.
Carry out the plan.
Look back.
Steps 1 & 2 involve defining variables and translating words to equations. We'll do examples in class, but this sheet may help you with your translation skills.
When walking, Jose burns 96 calories per mile and Sara burns 64 calories per mile. One day the two of them walk a total of 7 miles. Let represent the number of miles walked by Sara.
a. Write an algebraic expression for the total number of calories burned by the two of them.
b. Together they burn a total of 505.6 calories. How far did each person walk?