Linear Equations and Rational Equations

Section 1.1

When solving linear equations in one variable, we use a series of steps.

Step 1 Simplify both sides of the equation
Step 2 Collect the variable terms on one side of the equation and the constant terms on the other
Step 3 Make the coefficient on the variable term equal to 1.

Solve Linear Equations in One Variable

1.

3.

Solve

x 4 x 5 4 x 2

Solve

0.6 x 1.3 0.2 5 x 8

2 x 3 2 x 2 1 5 4 x 3

2.

Solve

4.

2
5
1
x x3 x5
6
2
Solve 3

Identify Conditional Equations, Identities, and Contradictions

5. Solve 2 4 2 5 x 2 x 4 7 2 x

7.

Solve 3 x 2 4 2 x 5 10 x 5 x 23

6.

Solve

2 4 2 5 x 2 x 4 7 2 x

Solve Rational Equations

8.

9 1
4

Solve 4 2 x x

9.

x6
3
2
x3
Solve x 3

1
y 1
1
2

y 1 y 2y 3 y 3
10. Solve

restricted value for x: __________

restricted value for x: __________

restricted values for y: ____________

Solve Literal Equations for a Specified Variable

11. 10 x 2a 3a

13.

3
z 1
2

Solve for x.

12. 3 x 5 y 10

Solve for z.

14. 3 x 4a 2 px 1

Solve for y.

Solve for x.