Linear Equation Solution Calculator (Ax + B = C)
Result: Enter values and click 'Calculate Solution'
Understanding Linear Equations and Their Solutions
A linear equation is a fundamental concept in algebra, representing a straight line when graphed. It's an equation where the highest power of the variable is 1. Our calculator focuses on the simplest form of a linear equation with one variable: Ax + B = C.
What do A, B, and C represent?
- A (Coefficient of x): This is the number that multiplies the variable 'x'. It determines the slope of the line if graphed.
- B (Constant Term): This is a numerical value added to or subtracted from the term with 'x' on one side of the equation.
- C (Constant Term): This is the numerical value on the other side of the equation, representing the total value the expression
Ax + Bmust equal.
How to Solve Ax + B = C
The goal is to isolate the variable 'x' on one side of the equation. Here's the step-by-step process:
- Subtract B from both sides: This moves the constant term B to the right side of the equation.
Ax + B - B = C - BAx = C - B - Divide both sides by A: This isolates 'x'.
Ax / A = (C - B) / Ax = (C - B) / A
This formula is what our calculator uses to find the value of 'x'.
Types of Solutions
When solving a linear equation, there are three possible outcomes:
- Unique Solution: This is the most common outcome. If the coefficient 'A' is not zero, there will be exactly one value for 'x' that satisfies the equation. For example, if
2x + 5 = 15, then2x = 10, andx = 5. - No Solution: This occurs when 'A' is zero, but
C - Bis not zero. In this case, you end up with an equation like0x = (a non-zero number). This is impossible, as anything multiplied by zero is zero. For example, if0x + 5 = 10, then0x = 5, which has no solution. - Infinite Solutions: This happens when both 'A' is zero AND
C - Bis also zero. The equation simplifies to0x = 0. This statement is true for any value of 'x', meaning there are infinitely many solutions. For example, if0x + 5 = 5, then0x = 0, which is true for all 'x'.
Examples Using the Calculator
Let's look at some practical examples to illustrate how the calculator works:
Example 1: Unique Solution
- Equation:
3x + 7 = 22 - Inputs: Coefficient A = 3, Constant B = 7, Constant C = 22
- Calculation:
3x = 22 - 73x = 15x = 15 / 3x = 5 - Calculator Result: x = 5.000000
Example 2: No Solution
- Equation:
0x + 10 = 20 - Inputs: Coefficient A = 0, Constant B = 10, Constant C = 20
- Calculation:
0x = 20 - 100x = 10
Since 0 multiplied by any number cannot equal 10, there is no solution. - Calculator Result: No Solution (0x = 10)
Example 3: Infinite Solutions
- Equation:
0x + 8 = 8 - Inputs: Coefficient A = 0, Constant B = 8, Constant C = 8
- Calculation:
0x = 8 - 80x = 0
This statement is true for any value of x, meaning there are infinite solutions. - Calculator Result: Infinite Solutions (0x = 0)
This calculator provides a quick and accurate way to solve single-variable linear equations, helping you understand the different types of solutions possible.