Mary Jane Sterling - Algebra I - 1001 Practice Problems For Dummies (+ Free Online Practice)

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544–547 Factor each completely, beginning with grouping.

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548–565 Completely factor each expression.

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Chapter 13

Linear equations are of the form , where x is some variable, and a, b, and c are real numbers. To solve a linear equation, you perform a series of opposites: If a number is added to the term containing x, you subtract that number from both sides of the equation; if a number is subtracted from the term containing the variable, you add; if a number multiplies the variable, you divide; and if a number divides the variable, you multiply. Just be sure that whatever you do to one side of the equation, you also do to the other side. Think of the equation as two expressions pivoting on either side of a balance scale — you need to keep the sides evenly balanced.

Here are a few things you do in this chapter to find answers:

Using the addition property to solve linear equations

Using multiplication and division — inverses of one another — to solve linear equations

Combining operations — doing more than one operation for a solution

Rewriting equations by eliminating grouping symbols

Getting rid of fractions and fractional expressions before solving linear equations

As you get in a groove solving linear equations, be sure you’re doing the following:

Performing the same operation on each side of the equation to keep it balanced

Being careful to use the inverse/opposite number when adding and subtracting

Never multiplying or dividing by 0

Distributing correctly to remove grouping symbols, especially with negative numbers