Get rid of the coefficient

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 10 views

Introduction to Solving Linear Equations

Solving linear equations is a fundamental concept in mathematics, and it is essential to understand how to isolate the variable in a linear equation. In this article, we will focus on solving the equation $-104 = 8x$ for the variable $x$ . This equation is a simple linear equation, and we will use the basic algebraic properties to solve for $x$ .

Understanding the Equation

The given equation is $-104 = 8x$ . This equation states that the product of $8$ and $x$ is equal to $-104$ . To solve for $x$ , we need to isolate the variable $x$ on one side of the equation.

Isolating the Variable

To isolate the variable $x$ , we need to get rid of the coefficient $8$ that is being multiplied by $x$ . We can do this by dividing both sides of the equation by $8$ . This will cancel out the $8$ on the left-hand side of the equation, leaving us with the variable $x$ .

Dividing Both Sides of the Equation

To divide both sides of the equation by $8$ , we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS). We will first divide the left-hand side of the equation by $8$ , and then divide the right-hand side of the equation by $8$ .

\frac{-104}{8} = \frac{8x}{8}

Simplifying the Equation

After dividing both sides of the equation by $8$ , we can simplify the equation by canceling out the common factors.

-13 = x

Conclusion

In this article, we solved the equation $-104 = 8x$ for the variable $x$ . We used the basic algebraic properties to isolate the variable $x$ on one side of the equation. By dividing both sides of the equation by $8$ , we were able to cancel out the coefficient $8$ and solve for $x$ . The final solution to the equation is $x = -13$ .

Tips and Tricks for Solving Linear Equations

Here are some tips and tricks for solving linear equations:

Use the order of operations (PEMDAS): When solving linear equations, it is essential to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS). This will ensure that you are performing the operations in the correct order.
Get rid of the coefficient: To isolate the variable, you need to get rid of the coefficient that is being multiplied by the variable. You can do this by dividing both sides of the equation by the coefficient.
Simplify the equation: After isolating the variable, you need to simplify the equation by canceling out any common factors.
Check your solution: After solving the equation, you need to check your solution by plugging it back into the original equation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when solving linear equations:

Not following the order of operations (PEMDAS): Failing to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS) can lead to incorrect solutions.
Not getting rid of the coefficient: Failing to get rid of the coefficient can make it difficult to isolate the variable.
Not simplifying the equation: Failing to simplify the equation can make it difficult to check the solution.
Not checking the solution: Failing to check the solution can lead to incorrect answers.

Real-World Applications of Solving Linear Equations

Solving linear equations has many real-world applications. Here are a few examples:

Finance: Solving linear equations is used in finance to calculate interest rates, investment returns, and other financial metrics.
Science: Solving linear equations is used in science to model population growth, chemical reactions, and other scientific phenomena.
Engineering: Solving linear equations is used in engineering to design and optimize systems, such as bridges, buildings, and electronic circuits.
Computer Science: Solving linear equations is used in computer science to solve problems in machine learning, data analysis, and other areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, solving linear equations is a fundamental concept in mathematics that has many real-world applications. By following the basic algebraic properties and using the order of operations (PEMDAS), you can solve linear equations with ease. Remember to get rid of the coefficient, simplify the equation, and check your solution to ensure that you are getting the correct answer. With practice and patience, you will become proficient in solving linear equations and be able to apply this skill to a wide range of real-world problems.

Introduction to Solving Linear Equations

Q&A: Solving Linear Equations

Q: What is a linear equation?

A: A linear equation is an equation in which the highest power of the variable is 1. In other words, it is an equation in which the variable is not raised to a power greater than 1.

Q: How do I solve a linear equation?

A: To solve a linear equation, you need to isolate the variable on one side of the equation. You can do this by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing both sides of the equation by the same value.

Q: What is the order of operations (PEMDAS)?

A: The order of operations (PEMDAS) is a set of rules that tells you which operations to perform first when solving an equation. The acronym PEMDAS stands for:

Parentheses: Evaluate expressions inside parentheses first.
Exponents: Evaluate any exponential expressions next.
Multiplication and Division: Evaluate any multiplication and division operations from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction: Finally, evaluate any addition and subtraction operations from left to right.

Q: How do I get rid of the coefficient?

A: To get rid of the coefficient, you need to divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient. This will cancel out the coefficient and leave you with the variable on one side of the equation.

Q: How do I simplify the equation?

A: To simplify the equation, you need to cancel out any common factors on both sides of the equation. This will make it easier to check your solution and ensure that you are getting the correct answer.

Q: Why is it important to check my solution?

A: It is essential to check your solution to ensure that you are getting the correct answer. You can do this by plugging your solution back into the original equation and verifying that it is true.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving linear equations?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving linear equations include:

Not following the order of operations (PEMDAS)
Not getting rid of the coefficient
Not simplifying the equation
Not checking the solution

Q: What are some real-world applications of solving linear equations?

A: Solving linear equations has many real-world applications, including:

Finance: Solving linear equations is used in finance to calculate interest rates, investment returns, and other financial metrics.
Science: Solving linear equations is used in science to model population growth, chemical reactions, and other scientific phenomena.
Engineering: Solving linear equations is used in engineering to design and optimize systems, such as bridges, buildings, and electronic circuits.
Computer Science: Solving linear equations is used in computer science to solve problems in machine learning, data analysis, and other areas.

Conclusion

Additional Resources

If you are looking for additional resources to help you learn how to solve linear equations, here are a few suggestions:

Textbooks: There are many textbooks available that cover the topic of solving linear equations. Some popular textbooks include "Algebra and Trigonometry" by Michael Sullivan and "College Algebra" by James Stewart.
Online Resources: There are many online resources available that can help you learn how to solve linear equations. Some popular online resources include Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare, and Wolfram Alpha.
Practice Problems: Practice problems are an essential part of learning how to solve linear equations. You can find practice problems in textbooks, online resources, or by creating your own problems.

Final Thoughts

Solving linear equations is a fundamental concept in mathematics that has many real-world applications. By following the basic algebraic properties and using the order of operations (PEMDAS), you can solve linear equations with ease. Remember to get rid of the coefficient, simplify the equation, and check your solution to ensure that you are getting the correct answer. With practice and patience, you will become proficient in solving linear equations and be able to apply this skill to a wide range of real-world problems.