Linear Equation Solver
Solve ax + b = 0 for x, showing the solution and verification step.
About Linear Equation Solver
A linear equation ax + b = 0 has exactly one solution: x = −b/a. This calculator solves any first-degree equation in one variable.
Formula
Linear equation
x = -b / a
- a
- Coefficient of x
- b
- Constant term
Worked example
With the default values below, Linear Equation Solver returns Solution (x) of -3.000000. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.
Inputs used
- a (coefficient of x)
- 2
- b (constant term)
- 6
Results
- Solution (x)
- -3.000000
- Equation
- 2x + 6 = 0 → x = -3
Step by step
- 1Values used
- 2Linear equation
- 3Solution (x)= -3.000000
- 4Equation= 2x + 6 = 0 → x = -3
Assumptions and limits
- The result is derived only from the 2 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
- In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
- Figures are rounded for display to 6 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a equals zero?
If a = 0, the equation is not linear — it becomes b = 0, which is either always true (b=0) or has no solution.
Can this solve equations like 3x + 5 = 11?
Yes — rewrite as 3x + (5−11) = 0, so a=3, b=−6, giving x=2.