linear equation

noun

: an equation of the first degree in any number of variables

Examples of linear equation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Simple math, Getz argues, shows that adding a constraint (doing well) to a linear equation (doing good) will never yield as good an outcome as without the constraint. —

Bypeter Vanham, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2023 For instance, Motta’s discussion of Algebra 2 concepts, such as linear equations and formulas, are applied to the building of a rocket, which the 14- or 15-year-old student can then test. —

Marco Santana, orlandosentinel.com, 19 Aug. 2019 Lemon plus garlic is not a linear equation; the presence of lemon transforms the fundamental tastes and smells that garlic has to offer. —

Ali Bouzari, SFChronicle.com, 12 July 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'linear equation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of linear equation was in 1816

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Dictionary Entries Near linear equation

linear differential equation

linear equation

linear function

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Linear equation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear%20equation. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.

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Kids Definition

linear equation

noun

: an equation in which each term is either a constant or contains only one variable, in which each variable has an exponent of 1, and which always has a straight line as a graph

y = mx + b is the general form of a linear equation where m and b are any real numbers