Question 64295
Aloha Steven,
The standard form of a linear equation is {{{highlight(Ax+By=C)}}}, where A,B, and C are intergers.  Some books also require that A be positive.
If we had a linear equation in slope intercept form like this: {{{y=(3/4)x-5}}} and we were asked to put it in standard form, the first thing that I would notice is that the x term is in the wrong place, so I would move it.
{{{-(3/4)x+y=-(3/4)x+(3/4)x-5}}}
{{{-(3/4)x+y=0-5}}}
{{{-(3/4)x+y=-5}}}
Now I would notice that the coefficient of x is both negative and a fraction.  To change that I would multiply everything by the -denominator, -4.  (If your book doesn't require that A be positive, you can multiply by 4.)
{{{(-4)(-3/4)x+(-4)y=(-4)(-5)}}}
{{{(12/4)x-4y=20}}}
{{{highlight(3x-4y=10)}}}
I hope that clarifies things.  Let me know if you don't understand something that I showed you.
Happy Calculating!!!