1 Linear Equations With and Without Fractions (Key)

Linear and Rational Equations
Exercise: Solve the Linear Equation and check you answer.
2 x+10=0
Answer : x=−5
We just solved a linear equation. Typically, linear equations are easily identified by looking at the
exponent of the variable you wish to solve for. If the exponent is one, then we call the equation a linear
equation. The more formal definition is given below.
Definition:
An equation is called a linear equation in one variable if it can be written as:
ax +b=0
where a and b are real numbers and a ≠ 0 . A solution to a linear equation is a real number that
when substituted for x in the equation makes the equation a true statement.
Exercise: Determine if the following equation is linear.
5 ( x+ 5 )−15=3 x
Answer : yes
Note: The equation is linear because you can rewrite the equation in the following way: 2 x+10=0 .
Steps for Solving Linear Equations:
1.) Eliminate parentheses/brackets “(***), [***]” by distributing on both sides of the

equation as necessary.
2.) Combine like terms on each side of the equation as necessary.
3.) Bring all terms with the desired variable you wish to solve for to one side of the equation
and combine like terms, and bring all other terms to the other side of the equation and
combine like terms.
4.) Divide both sides by the coefficient in front of the variable you wish to solve for.
We typically call these steps isolating the variable.

Note: When solving linear equations, you typically do not have to check your work as long as
all of your work is correct.
Example: Solve for x
5 ( x+ 5 )−15=3 x
Answer :
Step 1: Eliminate parentheses/brackets by distributing the 5 on the left side.
5 x+ 25−15=3 x
Step 2: Combine like terms on both sides by combining the 25 and -15 on the left side.
5 x+ 10=3 x
Step 3: Bring all x ' s to one side and all other terms to the other side by subtracting 3 x from both
sides and subtracting 10 from both sides.
2 x=−10
Step 4: Obtain the value of x by dividing both sides by 2.
x=−5
Exercise: Solve for a .
3 ( 7 a+5 )−19=2 a−9

−5
Answer : a=
19
Exercise: Solve
2 [ 2 x−2 ( 3 x +5 ) ] =1−5 x
Hint: First eliminate the parentheses inside the brackets, then combine like terms in the bracket, then
eliminate the bracket.
Answer : x=−7
Exercise: Solve for x
2 ( 2 x + 4 ) +1=4 x +9
Answer : All Real Numbers
Hint: Could there be more than one solution? Try different values for x and plug them into the
equation.
Note: We call this an equation with infinitely many solutions. The value of x can be any real number.
We say that the solution to these types of linear equations in one variable is all real numbers.
3 ( 2−5 x ) +1=2−15 x
Anwer : No Solution
Hint: Does 0=−5? Does an equation have to have a solution? When we get a statement that is not
true, we say there is no solution. These types of equations are called inconsistent equations.
Solutions to Linear Equations in One Variable
Linear equations in one variable have 3 possible outcomes:
 There is exactly one solution, we call these equations consistent.

 There is an infinite number of solutions, we call these equations an identity.
 There is no solution, we call these equations inconsistent.
2
x +5=7
3
Answer : x=3
Note: You could have solved the equation above by multiplying both sides of the equation by 3 to
eliminate the fraction.
3∗ ( 23 x +5)=3∗7
2 x+15=21
2 x=6
x=3
We will call this method eliminating the fraction.
Exercise: Solve for x by eliminating the fractions.
2 1
x−5=
3 6
Hint: Multiply both sides by a number that is divisible by 3 and 6, many people typically pick the LCM
(Least Common Multiple).
31
Answer : x=
4
Exercise: Solve for x and check your answer.
2
+3=2
x
Hint: What do you need to multiply both sides of the equation by to eliminate the fraction?
Answer : x=−2
Notice the equation above was not a linear equation, however we were able to manipulate it to solve it
like a linear equation.
Definition:
Typically, any equation with fractions in it we call it a Rational Equation. However, in this class, any
time the variable you wish to solve for is in the denominator, we will call the equation a Rational
Equation. It is always important to check the answer of rational equations.
Example: Solve for x .
2
+3=5
x−2
Note: x ≠ 2, because you cannot divide zero (if you plug in x=2, you get a zero in the denominator of
the fraction). If we get that x=2 is an answer by performing our mathematical operations, we would
say the equation has no solution.
Answer : Eliminate the fractionby multiplyign both sides by (x−2)
( x−2 )∗( x−2

2
+3 )=( x−2 )∗5
2+3 ( x−2 )=5 (x−2)

2+3 x−6=5 x−10
3 x−4=5 x−10
−2 x=−6
x=3
ˇ answer
the
2
+3
( 3 )−2
2
+3
1
2+3
5
Therefore , x=3 works  and the equation is consistent.
x 3
−9=
x−3 x−3
Hint: You can never divide by zero. What value of x would make the denominator zero? Do all
equations have to have a solution?
Answer : No Solution

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Linear and Rational Equations

Exercise: Solve the Linear Equation and check you answer.

Exercise: Determine if the following equation is linear.

Steps for Solving Linear Equations:

1.) Eliminate parentheses/brackets “(***), [***]” by distributing on both sides of the

We typically call these steps isolating the variable.

Example: Solve for x

3 ( 7 a+5 )−19=2 a−9

Exercise: Solve for x

Solutions to Linear Equations in One Variable

Linear equations in one variable have 3 possible outcomes:

 There is exactly one solution, we call these equations consistent.

Exercise: Solve for x

Exercise: Solve for x by eliminating the fractions.

Exercise: Solve for x and check your answer.

Example: Solve for x .

Answer : Eliminate the fractionby multiplyign both sides by (x−2)

( x−2 )∗( x−2

2+3 ( x−2 )=5 (x−2)

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