Linear Equations (in MATD 0330)

In our text for MATD 0330, linear equations are discussed in various lessons throughout the book. That is good, because it lets you practice on them many times.

This website is for students who want to focus on just solving linear equations, and go from easy problems to harder problems in several steps.

Here's how to use this:

1. View the explanation/examples page.  (Those documents are long.)
2. Follow the instructions in red print. In most cases, you'll be asked to
1. Read through one example
2. For the next example, write down the problem on your paper and try to do it yourself before you read the solution on the screen.  See what questions you have. 
3. Then see if the solution on the screen answers your questions. 
4. Ask your instructor for help as you need it.

These are the methods used to solve linear equations:

1. Simplify the algebraic expressions in the equation.
2. Usually, simplify completely on each side individually before doing something to both sides.
3. Add or subtract the same number from both sides of the equation.
4. Multiply or divide both sides of the equation by the same non-zero number.

If you find mistakes in any of these pages, please tell Mary Parker at mparker@austincc.edu and include as much information as you can about what page the error is on. 

(These are PDF files. If you can't view them, you must download and install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Instructors -- here are the files in Word format.)

		Explanation and Examples  (Do not print.  Many pages!!)	Exercises (print)
Eq. 1		Simplify each side	Problems Eq. 1  (1 page) Problems Eq. 2 (1 page
Eq. 2		Two-step equations
Eq. 3		Some fractions and decimals	Problems Eq. 3 (1 page) Problems Eq. 4 (1 page)
Eq. 4		Distributive law . Additional help on Eq. 4
Eq. 5		Multiple-step equations	Problems Eq. 5 (1 page) Problems Eq. 6 (1 page) Optional additional practice word problems.
Eq. 6		Word problems
Eq. 7		Fractions and decimals	Problems Eq. 7 (1 page)  Problems Eq. 8 (3 pages) Optional additional practice equations with fractions
Eq. 8		Optional material about fractions.

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Last updated April 14, 2010 . Mary Parker