# I dont quite understand the mathematica language. linear equations

1. Sep 11, 2008

### offtheleft

how would i get it to solve linear equations and linear systems, especially in the form;
$$y=ax+b$$

my professor and i found out that it likes brackets "$$[ . . . ]$$" and double equal signs "$$==$$"

i know its probably painfully obvious but any input would be tremendous!

2. Sep 11, 2008

### Staff: Mentor

Just use LinearSolve

3. Sep 11, 2008

### offtheleft

that would be under the algebraic manipulation palette?

so i would just type out $$y=\frac{5}{4}x-2$$ and press linear solve or do i have to type out;

$$y=\frac{5}{4}x-2$$ and give a set like $${x, 3, 4}$$ or something?

4. Sep 12, 2008

### Staff: Mentor

If your equation is that simple then you can use:

Solve[y == 5/4 x - 2, x]

LinearSolve is for solving large systems of linear equations in matrix form.

5. Sep 12, 2008

### offtheleft

i put that in and i get this.

{x -> (4 (2 + y))/5}

its quite confusing.

6. Sep 12, 2008

### offtheleft

i put in "Solve[2x-y==0]" and i got:$${{y \rightarrow 8}}$$