Linear Algebraic Equation Solver
Use this calculator to simplify and solve linear algebraic equations of the form Ax + B = Cx + D.
Result:
Understanding and Solving Linear Algebraic Equations
Algebraic equations are fundamental to mathematics and are used across various fields, from science and engineering to finance and economics. A linear algebraic equation is one of the simplest forms, where the highest power of the variable (usually 'x') is 1. These equations can be written in a general form like Ax + B = Cx + D, where A, B, C, and D are constants, and x is the variable we aim to solve for.
What is "Simplifying" an Equation?
Simplifying an algebraic equation primarily involves combining like terms and isolating the variable. The goal is to transform a complex-looking equation into a more manageable form, typically (some number)x = (another number), from which the value of 'x' can be easily determined.
For an equation like Ax + B = Cx + D, the simplification process usually follows these steps:
- Gather x-terms on one side: Subtract
Cxfrom both sides of the equation. This results inAx - Cx + B = D. - Gather constant terms on the other side: Subtract
Bfrom both sides. This gives usAx - Cx = D - B. - Combine like terms: Factor out 'x' from the terms on the left side:
(A - C)x = D - B. This is the simplified form of the equation.
Solving for the Variable 'x'
Once the equation is simplified to the form (A - C)x = (D - B), solving for 'x' is straightforward:
- Divide by the coefficient of x: Divide both sides by
(A - C)to isolate 'x'. This yieldsx = (D - B) / (A - C).
Special Cases: No Solution or Infinite Solutions
There are two important special cases to consider when solving linear equations:
- No Solution: If, after simplification, you end up with an equation like
0x = (a non-zero number)(e.g.,0x = 5), it means there is no value of 'x' that can satisfy the equation. This indicates that the original equation is a contradiction. - Infinite Solutions: If, after simplification, you get an equation like
0x = 0, it means any value of 'x' will satisfy the equation. This indicates that the original equation is an identity, and there are infinitely many solutions.
How to Use the Calculator
Our Linear Algebraic Equation Solver helps you quickly simplify and find the solution for 'x' in equations of the form Ax + B = Cx + D. Simply input the coefficients (A, C) and constant terms (B, D) from your equation into the respective fields. The calculator will then display the simplified form of the equation and the value of 'x', or indicate if there are no solutions or infinite solutions.
Example Scenarios:
Let's look at a few examples:
-
Standard Solution:
Equation:
2x + 5 = x + 10- A = 2
- B = 5
- C = 1
- D = 10
Simplification:
(2 - 1)x = (10 - 5)→1x = 5Solution:
x = 5 -
No Solution:
Equation:
3x + 7 = 3x + 12- A = 3
- B = 7
- C = 3
- D = 12
Simplification:
(3 - 3)x = (12 - 7)→0x = 5Solution: No Solution
-
Infinite Solutions:
Equation:
4x + 6 = 4x + 6- A = 4
- B = 6
- C = 4
- D = 6
Simplification:
(4 - 4)x = (6 - 6)→0x = 0Solution: Infinite Solutions
This calculator is a handy tool for students and anyone needing to quickly verify solutions or understand the simplification process for linear algebraic equations.