1
π ISOLATE x = do the OPPOSITE
Linear Equations Β· One-Step
βοΈ EXAMPLE
Solve: x + 5 = 12
β Subtract 5 from both sides β x = 7
β Subtract 5 from both sides β x = 7
Solve for x:
3x β 9 = 15
β οΈ Tricky!
Add 9 first, then divide by 3. Don't forget to add 9 to BOTH sides!
My work space βοΈ
2
π DISTRIBUTE first β then COMBINE like terms
Distributive Property & Combining Like Terms
βοΈ EXAMPLE
Simplify: 2(x + 3) + 4x
β 2x + 6 + 4x β 6x + 6
β 2x + 6 + 4x β 6x + 6
Simplify:
3(2x β 4) + 5x β 2
β οΈ Tricky!
3 Γ (β4) = β12, not +12. Watch the negative sign!
My work space βοΈ
3
π VARIABLES on one side β CONSTANTS on other
Two-Step & Multi-Step Equations
βοΈ EXAMPLE
Solve: 5x + 3 = 2x + 12
β Subtract 2x: 3x + 3 = 12 β Subtract 3: 3x = 9 β x = 3
β Subtract 2x: 3x + 3 = 12 β Subtract 3: 3x = 9 β x = 3
Solve for x:
4x + 7 = 2x β 3
β οΈ Negative Answer!
Move 2x to the left. You'll get a negative answer β that's okay!
My work space βοΈ
4
π SLOPE = RISE Γ· RUN = (yββyβ)/(xββxβ)
Slope of a Line
βοΈ EXAMPLE
Slope between (1, 2) and (3, 6):
m = (6β2)/(3β1) = 4/2 = 2
m = (6β2)/(3β1) = 4/2 = 2
Find the slope of the line through (β2, 3) and (4, β9).
β οΈ Both Negative!
Carefully subtract: yβ β yβ = β9 β 3 = β12. Don't add them!
My work space βοΈ
5
π y = mx + b Β· m = slope Β· b = y-intercept
Slope-Intercept Form
βοΈ EXAMPLE
Line with slope 3 and y-intercept β1:
y = 3x β 1
y = 3x β 1
Which equation has slope β23 and passes through (0, 5)?
β οΈ Fraction slope!
My work space βοΈ