How It Works

The calculator isolates x by first moving the constant term to the other side of the equation and then dividing by the coefficient of x. For ax + b = 0, subtracting b gives ax = −b, and dividing by a gives x = −b/a.

For the linear equation ax + b = 0, the solution is x = −b ÷ a, where a ≠ 0.

Example

For example, the equation 2x − 6 = 0 can be written as 2x + (−6) = 0. Solving gives x = −(−6) ÷ 2 = 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you solve ax + b = 0?

Move b to the other side to get ax = −b, then divide by a. The solution is x = −b/a, provided that a is not zero.

What is the formula for solving a linear equation?

For an equation in the form ax + b = 0, the solution is x = −b/a, where a is not zero.

What is the solution to 2x − 6 = 0?

The solution is x = 3. Adding 6 to both sides gives 2x = 6, and dividing by 2 gives x = 3.

Can this algebra calculator solve quadratic equations?

No. This calculator solves linear equations in the form ax + b = 0. Use a quadratic equation calculator for equations that contain an x² term.

What happens if a equals zero?

If a is zero, the equation is no longer a linear equation with x. If b is also zero, every value of x satisfies the equation; if b is nonzero, there is no solution.

What is a linear equation?

A linear equation is an equation in which the variable has a first-degree exponent. A one-variable linear equation can be written in the form ax + b = 0, where a and b are constants.