Linear Equations Flashcards

Grade 9 · Math · Flashcards

Key vocabulary and concepts for solving linear equations in Grade 9 Math.

Flashcards

Linear equation: An equation where the variable appears only to the first power
Solution: The value that makes both sides of an equation equal
Distributive property: a(b + c) = ab + ac — multiply outside term by each term inside
Inverse operations: Operations that undo each other: + undoes −, × undoes ÷
Like terms: Terms with identical variable parts; e.g., 3x and 5x are like terms
Coefficient: The numerical factor multiplying a variable; in 7x, the coefficient is 7
Isolate the variable: Use inverse operations to get the variable alone on one side
Identity equation: An equation true for all values of the variable (e.g., x + 2 = x + 2)
Contradiction: An equation with no solution (e.g., x = x + 1)
Checking a solution: Substituting the answer back into the original equation to verify it works
Multi-step equation: An equation requiring more than one operation to solve
Constant: A fixed number in an equation with no variable attached