Linear equations

To solve a linear equation, isolate the variable $x$ by doing the same operation to both sides. First simplify each side: distribute to remove parentheses and combine like terms. Then move all terms containing $x$ to one side and all constant terms to the other by adding or subtracting. Finally divide by the coefficient of $x$. For example, if you reach $4x=12$, divide both sides by $4$ to get $x=3$. Check your answer by substituting it back into the original equation.