Math Linear equations Linear equation

Linear equation

Every linear equation has a variable $x$ that does not occur in any higher power (for example, $x^2$ or $x^3$). A linear equation can have one, two or more unknowns. The general form for a linear equation with one variable is:

$ax+b=0$

$a$ and $b...$ real numbers
$x ...$ unknown variable

i

Tip

Most often, the variable is denoted by $x$ in linear equations. Note, however, that even equations with other letters can be linear equations.

Examples

  • Linear equations (with one variable)

    $3x+15=0$
    $5x+3=0$
    $7b=14$
  • No linear equations

    x occurs at a higher power (e.g. $x^2$ or $x^5$)
    $x^2+4=29$
    $5x^5+12y+18=0$