Linear Equations

So far, all the equations that we have come across are linear in type. The most common difference between the two types of equations is as follows:

We have learned some techniques to solve linear equations. Solutions to non-linear equations are also possible, but they are comparatively difficult and more involved.

Some interesting Topics related to Equations:

Next we discuss a few interesting things about equations. Kids your age might wonder as to how they can draw:

•  A simple linear equation is of the form: y = mx + c
•  A linear equation looks like a straight line when graphed.

on a piece of paper. We learn some easy ways to graph a linear equation in one or two variables.

Graphing a linear equation in one variable:

Graphing an equation requires a co-ordinate plane. It consists of two straight lines one in horizontal direction and the other in the vertical direction. The horizontal line is referred to as x-axis and the vertical line is called y-axis. The point where the two lines intersect is called origin.

A simple coordinate plane has been shown below.

There exist infinitely many points on the coordinate plane. A single point can be specified with the help of two co-ordinate values x and y, and is represented in the form of an ordered pair (x,y). Here x and y can take any real value.

In order to graph a linear equation in one variable, we make use of a coordinate plane Let us present it through an example.