First Degree Equations

Definition of First Degree Equations

• The equations in which the highest exponent is 1 are called the First Degree Equations.

More about First Degree Equations

• All linear equations are first degree equations.
• Equation of a straight line is a first degree equation.

Example of First Degree Equations

• Consider the equation 3x + 5 = 6.
  The highest exponent of the variables in this equation is 1.
  So, 3x + 5 = 6 is a first degree equation.

Solved Example on First Degree Equations

Identify the first degree equation from the following.
Choices:
A. 8x – y = 3
B. 5x + 4x² = 7x
C. 7x³ – 8x² + 9x + 3 = 0
D. x² + 2x + 1 = 0
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Step 1: The equations in which the highest exponent is 1 are called the first degree equations.
Step 2: Here, only 8x – y = 3 has 1 as its highest exponent.
Step 3: So, 8x – y = 3 represent a first degree equation.

Related Terms for First Degree Equations

• Degree of a polynomial
• Equations