Solving Linear Equations

A linear equation has the variable to the first power only. No $x^2$, no $\sqrt{x}$. Just $ax + b = c$ for some constants $a$, $b$, $c$.

To solve, isolate $x$ step by step. For $3x + 7 = 22$, subtract $7$ from both sides to get $3x = 15$. Then divide both sides by $3$ to get $x = 5$.

The process: undo addition or subtraction first, then undo multiplication or division. Work backward from the order of operations.