A linear equation involving three variables is an algebraic expression that can be written in the standard form $$ax + by + cz = d$$. In this structure, the coefficients $$a$$, $$b$$, $$c$$, and the constant $$d$$ must be real numbers, with the additional restriction that $$a$$, $$b$$, and $$c$$ cannot all simultaneously be equal to $$0$$.

Linear Equation in Three Variables

A linear equation in two variables is said to be in standard form when it is written as $$Ax + By = C$$. When writing an equation in this form, it is generally preferred—though not strictly required—that $$A$$, $$B$$, and $$C$$ are integers and that $$A \ge 0$$. Equations that do not initially appear in this format, such as $$y = -3x + 5$$, can be manipulated using properties of equality to rewrite them into the standard $$Ax + By = C$$ structure (e.g., $$3x + y = 5$$) to easily confirm they are linear equations.

Standard Form of a Linear Equation

An ordered pair $$(x, y)$$ is a solution to a linear equation in two variables, such as $$Ax + By = C$$, if substituting the $$x$$- and $$y$$-values into the equation results in a mathematically true statement. Because every substituted $$x$$-value yields a corresponding $$y$$-value that satisfies the relationship, a linear equation in two variables has infinitely many solutions.

Solution of a Linear Equation in Two Variables

By the end of the section on the slope of a line, learners will be able to find the slope of a line, graph a line given a point and its slope, graph a line using its slope and intercept, choose the most convenient method to graph a line, graph and interpret applications involving the slope-intercept form, and use slopes to identify parallel and perpendicular lines.

Learning Objectives for Slope of a Line

An equation that can be written in the form $$Ax + By = C$$, where the coefficients $$A$$ and $$B$$ are not both zero, is defined as a linear equation in two variables. This establishes a mathematical relationship between two unknown quantities, which are typically represented by variables such as $$x$$ and $$y$$.

Claude

An **algebraic equation** is a complete mathematical statement formed by linking two algebraic expressions with an equal sign ($$=$). The equal sign acts as the verb of the sentence, asserting that the expressions on either side hold the same value. For example, $$3 + 5 = 8$$ and $$y + 9 = 2y - 3$$ are equations because they make a complete, verifiable claim about equality. This structure directly parallels a complete sentence in English, where a subject and verb express a full thought.

Algebraic Equation

A **linear equation** in one variable is an equation that can be formally written in the structure $$ax + b = 0$$, where $$a$$ and $$b$$ represent real numbers and $$a \neq 0$$. Such equations form the foundational focus of early algebraic problem-solving strategies, as the variable is raised only to the first power.

Linear Equation in One Variable

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OpenStax Intermediate Algebra

**Solving an equation** is the purposeful process of discovering the specific value or values of a variable that make the equation a true mathematical statement. Conceptually analogous to solving a puzzle, the ultimate goal of this procedure is to identify the solution that accurately completes the logical structure of the equation.

Solving an Equation

Translating a sentence into an algebraic equation involves a systematic three-step process. First, locate the "equals" word or words in the sentence and translate them into an equals sign ($$=$$). Second, translate the words to the left of the "equals" word(s) into an algebraic expression. Finally, translate the words to the right of the "equals" word(s) into an algebraic expression. Identifying the equality first provides the structure needed to correctly place the expressions on either side of the equation.

Translating English Sentences into Equations

In algebra, a **formula** is a mathematical equation that describes the relationship among two or more variables. Formulas serve as models of real-world phenomena, used both to explain events and to predict outcomes across virtually every field — including transportation, business, economics, medicine, chemistry, engineering, and technology. For example, geometry formulas relate measurements of shapes, physics formulas connect quantities like distance, rate, and time, and spreadsheet programs rely on formulas to perform calculations. What distinguishes a formula from an ordinary equation is that it expresses a general rule or relationship rather than a single problem to solve: once the values of all but one variable are known, the remaining variable can be found by substitution and algebraic manipulation.

Algebraic Formula

A **quadratic equation** is an equation in which the variable is squared. Its general form is:

$$ax^2 + bx + c = 0$$

where $$a$$, $$b$$, and $$c$$ are real numbers and $$a \neq 0$$. The requirement that $$a \neq 0$$ is essential — without a squared term, the equation would be linear rather than quadratic. This distinguishes quadratic equations from linear equations, where variables appear only to the first power and have no exponents.

Examples of quadratic equations include $$x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0$$, $$3y^2 + 4y = 10$$, $$64u^2 - 81 = 0$$, and $$n(n + 1) = 42$$. An equation like $$n(n + 1) = 42$$ may not initially appear to be quadratic, but simplifying the left side produces $$n^2 + n$$, revealing the squared variable. Solving quadratic equations requires methods different from those used for linear equations.

Quadratic Equation

A **radical equation** is an equation in which the variable appears inside the radicand of a square root. Because the unknown is located underneath the radical sign rather than outside it, standard algebraic techniques alone cannot isolate the variable — the radical must first be eliminated. The primary strategy for removing the square root is to square both sides of the equation, which converts the radical equation into a polynomial equation that can then be solved with familiar methods. However, squaring both sides can introduce values that do not satisfy the original equation, so every candidate solution must be checked by substituting it back into the original radical equation.

Radical Equation

In mathematics, the structure of algebra closely mirrors the grammar of the English language. An **algebraic expression** is analogous to an English **phrase**: it expresses a single mathematical thought but is incomplete by itself because it lacks a verb. For example, the expression $$3 + 5$$ translates to the phrase "the sum of three and five." In contrast, an **algebraic equation** is analogous to a complete English **sentence**. An equation combines two expressions using an equal sign ($$=$), which acts as the verb (e.g., "is equal to"). This creates a complete mathematical statement, just as a subject and verb create a complete sentence in English.

Comparison of Algebraic Structure to English Grammar

In a corporate financial model, which term describes a mathematical statement that uses an equal sign (=) to show that two expressions, such as 'Total Revenue' and 'Price per Unit times Units Sold', represent the same value?

A logistics manager uses a spreadsheet to show that 'Total Shipping Cost' is equal to 'Cost per Mile' multiplied by 'Total Miles'. This mathematical statement, which uses an equal sign to connect two expressions, is known as an algebraic ____.

In a corporate accounting system, the statement 'Assets = Liabilities + Equity' is an example of an algebraic equation because it uses an equal sign to link two expressions.

In professional environments, mathematical models are used to track performance, budgets, and sales. Match each mathematical term with the description that best identifies its role when building or reading these business formulas.

A department manager uses the statement 'Remaining Funds = Total Budget - Spent Funds' to track their finances. Define the specific mathematical term for this complete statement and state what the equal sign (=) indicates about the relationship between the two sides.

Identifying Equations in Budget Tracking

A retail manager is configuring a sales dashboard to show that 'Total Revenue' is the same value as 'Price per Unit multiplied by Units Sold.' To form a complete algebraic equation for this statement, arrange the following components in the correct order.

Based on the formal definition of mathematical statements, identify the specific technical name for this complete entry. Additionally, name the symbol that connects the two sides and state what this statement declares about the relationship between the value of 'Total Inventory Value' and the calculated result on the right side.

Categorizing Automated Business Logic

Suppose you are training a new administrative assistant who needs to help with the department's budget tracking and payroll spreadsheets. To ensure they understand the mathematical models used in your office, write a brief response defining the term **algebraic equation**. In your response, you must:
1. Provide a clear definition of what an algebraic equation is.
2. Identify the specific mathematical symbol that is required to form an equation.
3. Explain what this symbol asserts about the relationship between the two sides of the statement.
4. Give one practical example of an equation they might encounter in a business setting (such as for calculating total revenue, remaining inventory, or employee pay).

Defining Algebraic Equations in a Professional Context

A data analyst is building a formula in a project management dashboard. To change a mathematical expression like 'Total Revenue - Total Cost' into a complete **algebraic equation**, which component must be added to connect it to another expression?

In a corporate spreadsheet or financial model, what does an **algebraic equation** specifically assert about the two mathematical expressions it connects with an equal sign ($$ = $$)?

A solution of an equation is a specific numerical value of a variable that, when substituted into the equation, produces a true mathematical statement. Because it represents the precise unknown value that balances the equation and satisfies its logical structure, finding a solution is conceptually compared to discovering the final answer to a puzzle.

Solution of an Equation

To determine whether an equation in two variables defines a function (assuming $$x$$ is the independent variable and $$y$$ is the dependent variable), the systematic procedure is to algebraically solve the equation for $$y$$. Then, test the equation by substituting a specific numerical value for $$x$$. If each value substituted for $$x$$ results in exactly one corresponding value for $$y$$, the equation defines a function. Conversely, if substituting a specific value for $$x$$ produces two or more distinct values for $$y$$, the equation does not define a function because a single input cannot map to multiple outputs.

Determining if an Equation Defines a Function

Linear Equation in Two Variables

For any algebraic expression $$u$$ and any positive real number $$a$$, the condition $$|u| = a$$ means that the mathematical statement can be rewritten as two equivalent equations: $$u = -a$$ or $$u = a$$. This property stems from the fact that we are seeking all values whose distance from zero is $$a$$, and both $$a$$ and $$-a$$ satisfy this requirement. A single statement for the solutions can also be written as $$u = \pm a$$. Remember that an absolute value cannot be a negative number.

Absolute Value Equations

To solve the linear equation $$7(n - 3) - 8 = -15$$ using the general strategy, follow these steps:

Step 1. Simplify each side of the equation. Use the Distributive Property to remove the parentheses on the left side: $$7n - 21 - 8 = -15$$. Combine the constant terms on the left: $$7n - 29 = -15$$.

Step 2. Collect variable terms on one side. All variable terms ($$7n$$) are already on the left side, so no action is needed here.

Step 3. Collect constant terms on the other side. Add $$29$$ to both sides to move the constant away from the variable: $$7n - 29 + 29 = -15 + 29$$, yielding $$7n = 14$$.

Step 4. Make the coefficient of the variable term equal to $$1$$. Divide both sides by $$7$$: $$\frac{7n}{7} = \frac{14}{7}$$, giving $$n = 2$$.

Step 5. Check the solution. Substitute $$2$$ for $$n$$ in the original equation: $$7(2 - 3) - 8 = -15$$, which simplifies to $$7(-1) - 8 = -15$$, and then $$-7 - 8 = -15$$, resulting in $$-15 = -15$$.

Since this is a true statement, the solution checks correctly.

Solving $$7(n - 3) - 8 = -15$$ Using a General Strategy

To solve the linear equation $$2(m - 4) + 3 = -1$$ using the general strategy:

First, simplify the left side by applying the Distributive Property and combining like constant terms: $$2m - 8 + 3 = -1$$, which simplifies to $$2m - 5 = -1$$.

Next, collect the constant terms on the right side by adding $$5$$ to both sides: $$2m = 4$$.

Then, divide both sides by $$2$$ to isolate the variable and make its coefficient equal to $$1$$: $$m = 2$$.

Finally, check the solution by substituting $$2$$ for $$m$$ in the original equation: $$2(2 - 4) + 3 = 2(-2) + 3 = -4 + 3 = -1$$, which confirms that the solution is correct.

Solving $$2(m - 4) + 3 = -1$$ Using a General Strategy

To solve the linear equation $$5(a - 3) + 5 = -10$$ using the general strategy:

First, simplify the left side using the Distributive Property, then combine the like constant terms: $$5a - 15 + 5 = -10$$, which simplifies to $$5a - 10 = -10$$.

Collect the constant terms on the right side by adding $$10$$ to both sides: $$5a = 0$$.

Solve for $$a$$ by dividing both sides by $$5$$: $$a = 0$$.

Check the solution by substituting $$a = 0$$ back into the original equation: $$5(0 - 3) + 5 = 5(-3) + 5 = -15 + 5 = -10$$, which confirms the solution is valid.

Solving $$5(a - 3) + 5 = -10$$ Using a General Strategy

To solve the linear equation $$rac{2}{3}(3m - 6) = 5 - m$$, apply the general five-step strategy:

Step 1. Simplify both sides.
Distribute the $$rac{2}{3}$$ into the parentheses on the left side. The product of $$rac{2}{3}$$ and $$3m$$ simplifies to $$2m$$, and $$rac{2}{3}$$ times $$-6$$ simplifies to $$-4$$:
$$2m - 4 = 5 - m$$

Step 2. Collect all variable terms on one side.
Add $$m$$ to both sides to bring the variables to the left side:
$$2m + m - 4 = 5 - m + m$$
$$3m - 4 = 5$$

Step 3. Collect all constant terms on the other side.
Add $$4$$ to both sides to bring the constants to the right side:
$$3m - 4 + 4 = 5 + 4$$
$$3m = 9$$

Step 4. Make the coefficient of the variable term equal to 1.
Divide both sides by $$3$$:
$$rac{3m}{3} = rac{9}{3}$$
$$m = 3$$

Step 5. Check the solution.
Substitute $$3$$ for $$m$$ in the original equation:
$$rac{2}{3}(3(3) - 6) = 5 - 3$$
$$rac{2}{3}(9 - 6) = 2$$
$$rac{2}{3}(3) = 2$$
$$2 = 2$$

Since the equation balances, the solution $$m = 3$$ is correct.

Solving $$rac{2}{3}(3m - 6) = 5 - m$$ Using a General Strategy

To solve the linear equation $$rac{1}{3}(6u + 3) = 7 - u$$ using the general strategy:

First, simplify each side where possible. Distribute the $$rac{1}{3}$$ on the left side:
$$2u + 1 = 7 - u$$

Next, collect variable terms on the left side by adding $$u$$ to both sides:
$$3u + 1 = 7$$

Collect constant terms on the right side by subtracting $$1$$ from both sides:
$$3u = 6$$

Make the coefficient equal to $$1$$ by dividing both sides by $$3$$ to isolate $$u$$:
$$u = 2$$

Check the answer by substituting $$2$$ for $$u$$ in the original equation: 
$$rac{1}{3}(6(2) + 3) = rac{1}{3}(12 + 3) = rac{1}{3}(15) = 5$$
On the right side, $$7 - 2 = 5$$.
Since $$5 = 5$$, the solution $$u = 2$$ is verified.

Solving $$rac{1}{3}(6u + 3) = 7 - u$$ Using a General Strategy

To solve a linear equation, follow a systematic five-step, general strategy:

1. Simplify both sides: Simplify each side of the equation as much as possible individually. Use the Distributive Property to remove any parentheses, and combine like terms.
2. Isolate the variable terms: Collect all the variable terms on one side of the equation. This is achieved by using the Addition or Subtraction Property of Equality.
3. Isolate the constant terms: Collect all the constant terms on the other side of the equation. Again, use the Addition or Subtraction Property of Equality.
4. Solve for the variable: Make the coefficient of the variable term equal to $$1$$. Use the Multiplication or Division Property of Equality, then formally state the solution to the equation.
5. Check the answer: Verify the solution by substituting it back into the original equation to ensure the result simplifies to a true mathematical statement.

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