Curriculum placement
Algebra 1. This describes the skill, not a learner estimate.
Linear equations with letter coefficients
Solve linear equations and inequalities with literal coefficients and state exceptional cases
Problem types
- Solve with a letter for a number
- No solution or infinitely many
Builds on
- Linear equations with variables on both sides
- Solving inequalities
- Rearranging a formula · Earlier idea
Solving a formula for one variable extends to solving equations whose coefficients are letters.
Leads to
- The quadratic formula · See it applied
Choosing a parameter so that an equation has a given root or double root uses the discriminant.
- A system written as a matrix equation · See it applied
Whether a parameter gives one, none or infinitely many solutions is decided by the same conditions that decide matrix systems.
Related skills
- How many times a line meets a curve · Related idea
A parameter in an equation changes the number of solutions, as it changes the number of intersection points of two curves.
- Why each equation step is valid · Shared foundations
- A graph as the solution set · Shared foundations
- Regions defined by inequalities · Shared foundations
- Linear equations from constraints · Shared foundations
Open the interactive map to explore lessons and skill connections.