MODULE 4.
1: LINEAR EQUATIONS IN ONE VARIABLE
Objectives:
At the end of this module, the students will be able to:
1. Find the solution set of the given linear equations.
2. Check if the solution obtained is a solution or extraneous root.
3. Solve for the specified variable in each of the given literal equations.
Introduction:
An equation is a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal. It contains one
or more literal quantities called unknowns.
A linear equation is one which can be written in the form:
ax b 0 with a 0 .
A number that makes the equation a true statement is called a solution or a root of the
equation.
Pre-test:
Solve for x in the given equations.
1. 4 x 7 3
x 7 1 x
2.
2 10
5 8
3.
3x 1 5 x 4
Pre-test Feedback:
1. SS : 1
2. SS : 6
3. SS : 12
A linear equation is one which can be written in the form: ax b 0 with a 0 . Add the
negative of b to both sides of the equation. Thus, ax b b 0 b which yields ax b .
Multiply both sides of the resulting equation by the reciprocal of a .Thus,
1 1
ax b which yields
a a
b
x .
a
b
Solution Set:
a
Illustrative Examples: Solve for x in the given equations.
73
1. 5 x 7 32 x 8 3 27 5 x 2 Answer: SS :
16
25
2. 4 x 2 5 x 2 3 x 2 x 7 2 x 5 Answer: SS :
6
1
Fractional Equations
A fractional equation is an equation containing fraction/s. The solution of this type of
equations is initiated by multiplying both sides of the equation by the least common
denominator (LCD). It should be noted that when any denominator contains the variable,
solutions obtained which make the denominator equal to zero upon substitution are
considered extraneous solutions. Otherwise, the solutions are true and must be part of the
solution set.
Illustrative Examples: Solve for x in the given equations.
2 x 3 3x 1
1. 3x 4 Answer: SS : 2
7 5
2 3 6
2. 2 Answer: SS : 6
x 2 3 2x 2x 7x 6
7x 8 2x 3 x2 4
3. 2 Answer: SS :
3x 4 x 2 3x 2 x 8 3
Literal Equations
A literal equation is an equation consisting of letters and numbers. There is more than
other letter of the alphabet present in the equation. However, among the many letters seen
in the equation, only one is regarded as the variable. The rest are to be taken as constants.
Illustrative Examples: Solve for the indicated variable.
a b ab
1. ;x Answer: x
2x b 2x a 2
1
vo at 2
vo v 2 v vo
2. ;t Answer: t
2 t a
Practice Exercise A: Solve for the specified variable in each of the given literal equations.
a rl
1. s ;r
lr
2. A 2r 2 h 2rh; h
rs
3. T ;r
pr
1 2
4. s v0t at ; a
2
b 3 x 3 x a 2b
5. ;x
a b
2
Practice Exercise B: Solve for the unknown.
1. 4 x 2 6 x 12
2 x 1 5x
2. 2
5 7
3. x 2 7 x 10 x 2 5 x 2
2 3 6
4. 2
x 2 3 2x 2x 7x 6
5. 5 x 2 x 1 x 4 x 2 5 x 1 x 2 1 6 x 2
2
6. 2 x 3 x 2 5 x 22 x 5
2 x 3 32 x 5 4
7. 0
4 6 3
2 5 6
8. 2
x 2 2x 3 2x 7x 6
Post test:
Solve for x in the given equations.
1. 4 x 7 3
x 7 1 x
2.
2 10
5 8
3.
3x 1 5 x 4
Post test Feedback:
1. SS : 1
2. SS : 6
3. SS : 12
3
4