linear equation

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a first-order equation involving two variables: its graph is a straight line in the Cartesian coordinate system.
2. any equation such that the sum of two solutions is a solution, and a constant multiple of a solution is a solution.

linear equation

noun

1. a polynomial equation of the first degree, such as x + y = 7

linear equation

1. An algebraic equation, such as y = 4 x + 3, in which the variables are of the first degree (that is, raised only to the first power). The graph of such an equation is a straight line.

Word History and Origins

Origin of linear equation¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

They crop up in many practical settings, where building a sturdier bridge or a stealthier aircraft can involve solving systems with millions of interdependent linear equations.

From Quanta Magazine

Traffic and growth and conversions or however you want to frame this is not a linear equation.

From Search Engine Watch

Childs’ team used Carleman linearization, an out-of-fashion mathematical technique from the 1930s, to transform nonlinear problems into an array of linear equations.

From Quanta Magazine