Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Back

Linear Equations definitions

4 students found this helpful
Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/15
  • Linear Equation
    A mathematical statement formed by setting a linear expression equal to another value, typically involving one variable.
  • Linear Expression
    A combination of numbers, variables, and operations without an equality sign, such as 2x + 3.
  • Variable
    A symbol, often x, representing an unknown value to be determined in an equation.
  • Constant
    A fixed numerical value in an equation or expression, not multiplied by a variable.
  • Isolating the Variable
    The process of rearranging an equation to get the variable alone on one side.
  • Opposite Operation
    An arithmetic operation used to reverse another, such as subtraction for addition or division for multiplication.
  • Least Common Denominator
    The smallest shared multiple of denominators in a linear equation with fractions, used to eliminate fractions.
  • Solution Set
    A collection of all values that satisfy a given equation, often written in curly brackets.
  • Conditional Equation
    An equation that is true for only one specific value of the variable.
  • Identity Equation
    An equation that is true for all possible values of the variable, resulting in infinite solutions.
  • Inconsistent Equation
    An equation that has no possible solution, often leading to a false statement like 0 = 4.
  • Empty Set
    A solution set containing no elements, indicating no value satisfies the equation.
  • Set Notation
    A mathematical format using curly brackets to list or describe the solutions to an equation.
  • Root
    A value of the variable that makes the equation true; also called a solution or answer.
  • Like Terms
    Terms in an expression or equation that have the same variable raised to the same power and can be combined.