Linear Equation Solver

Solve one-variable linear equations with clear balancing steps: expand brackets, collect like terms and isolate x. Try “solve 3(x − 4) + 2 = 5x − 6”.

Try an example:

How the Linear Equation Solver works

  1. Expand any brackets and combine like terms on each side.
  2. Move the x terms to one side and the numbers to the other, doing the same to both sides.
  3. Divide by the coefficient of x, then substitute back to check.

Frequently asked questions

What is a linear equation?

An equation where the variable is only to the first power, such as 2x + 5 = 11. Its graph is a straight line.

What if x disappears and I get 5 = 5?

The equation is true for every x (infinitely many solutions). If you get something false like 5 = 7, there is no solution.

More Algebra calculators

Quadratic Equation SolverFactoring, completing the square and the quadratic formula. System of EquationsSubstitution, elimination and matrix methods. Inequality SolverLinear, quadratic and absolute-value inequalities with number lines. Factoring & ExpandingFactor or expand polynomials and expressions. Polynomial DivisionLong division and synthetic division, remainder theorem. Exponential & Log EquationsSolve equations with powers and logarithms.

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MathMate can make mistakes. Please double-check important steps and calculations.