Posted January 30, 201312 yr I have this question on my algebra homework and I am not sure how to answer it. Math is my weakest subject in school so, I often get easily confused. Anyway here is my question Is the given equation a linear equation? If not, explain. 4x-9=17 and this is the second one 3x/11-5/4=2x/7 Any help would be greatly appreciated.
January 30, 201312 yr yes the first one is linear because the highest power of "x" is one. As for the second bring the 2x/7 over to the other side or birng 3x/11 over. then combine x terms and then solve for x
January 30, 201312 yr The first x is 6.5. 4 x 6.5 - 9 = 17. Edited January 30, 201312 yr by blinxhero
January 30, 201312 yr A linear equation is an equation which draws a line when graphed It contains a variable (say x in your case) with the highest power of 1 with your example (don't have to do it like me haha, I'm just going overboard) 4x - 9 = 17 4x = 17 + 9 4x = 26 x = 26/4 therefore if you graphed this, it would indeed be a vertical line - hence it is linear 3x/11 - 5/4 = 2x/7 -5/4 = 2x/7 - 3x/11 since 2x/7 and - 3x/11 are the similar 'terms', we can combine them as darkchaser mentioned above -5/4 = 1/77 x x = -96.25 therefore if you graphed this, it would indeed be a vertical line too - hence it is linear so, just remember - check the power of x, if the highest power is 1, then it is most likely to be linear x = linear x² = NOT linear, this is a quadratic because the power of x is 2 If the highest power of x is 2, then it is known as a quadratic If the highest power of x is 3, then it is known as a cubic and so on and so forth Hope It helps in some way Edit: I am my brother's pseudo-math-tutor Edit2: I reccomend you get the free software Geogebra, simply type in the equations and they will graph them for you - a simple way to determine if an equation is linear, quadratic, cubic or polynomial....(nevermind, I think I'm scaring you haha)
January 30, 201312 yr Author Thanks for the help everyone! I will try to implement your advice into my current and future homework.
January 30, 201312 yr Author http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=4x-9%3D17 Wolframalpha is the best Thanks Aaron, I think I will find this website quite useful when I need help with my math homework.
January 30, 201312 yr It can do anything http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=population+of+the+united+states !! But yeah, hope it helps
I have this question on my algebra homework and I am not sure how to answer it. Math is my weakest subject in school so, I often get easily confused. Anyway here is my question
Is the given equation a linear equation? If not, explain.
4x-9=17
and this is the second one
3x/11-5/4=2x/7
Any help would be greatly appreciated.