A **linear equation** is an equation that represents a straight line when graphed on a coordinate plane. It is an algebraic equation where each term is either a constant or the product of a constant and a single variable. Linear equations typically have the form:

\[
ax + b = 0
\]

or, in the two-variable case:

\[
ax + by = c
\]

Where:
- \(x\) and \(y\) are variables.
- \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants (real numbers).
  
### Key Characteristics:
1. **Degree of 1**: The highest power of the variable(s) in a linear equation is always 1. There are no squared terms, cube terms, etc.
2. **Graph is a straight line**: When plotted, a linear equation in two variables forms a straight line.
3. **Single solution for one variable**: In one variable, a linear equation has only one solution (e.g., \(2x + 3 = 7\)).
4. **Multiple solutions in two variables**: In two variables, the equation represents a line, and any point on this line is a solution to the equation.

### Example:
In one variable:
\[
2x + 3 = 7
\]
Solve for \(x\): 
\[
2x = 7 - 3 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 2x = 4 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = 2
\]

In two variables:
\[
3x + 2y = 6
\]
This is a linear equation in two variables, and it represents a straight line when plotted.

Would you like further details or have any specific questions on linear equations?

### Related Questions:
1. How do you graph a linear equation with two variables?
2. What is the slope-intercept form of a linear equation?
3. How do you solve a system of linear equations?
4. Can a linear equation have more than two variables?
5. How do linear equations differ from quadratic equations?

**Tip**: A linear equation in two variables can be written in the form \(y = mx + b\), where \(m\) is the slope and \(b\) is the y-intercept.

Explore the fundamentals of linear equations, including their definition, key properties, and examples. Learn how to solve linear equations in one variable and graph equations in two variables using formulas like y = mx + b. Ideal for students in Grades 6-8.

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