SOLUTION: How do i solve a linear equation? I understand it involves a variable and number line.

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Question 738474: How do i solve a linear equation? I understand it involves a variable and number line.
Answer by MathLover1(20850) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

In general, to solve an equation for a given variable, you need to isolate the variable;
means variable=some-number, where some number is the answer they're looking for
an example:
Solve
x-8+=+-1
you need to get the x all by itself on one side of the "equals" sign, and some number on the other side
so, x+-8+=-1 add 8 to both sides to eliminate -8 left of the equal sign;remember: no matter what kind of equation you're dealing with -- linear or otherwise -- whatever you do to the one side, you must do the exact same thing to the other side
x+-8%2B8+=+-1%2B8
x+-cross%288%29%2Bcross%288%29+=+7
x+=+7