Example 1:
The sum of two numbers is 60. If one number is twice the other, find the numbers by forming a linear equation.
Hint: Form an equation in one variable.
Solution:
Let one number be x. Then the other number is 2x.
According to the question,
x+2x=60
⇒ 3x=60
⇒ x=20
So, the other number is 2x=40.
Answer: The two numbers are 20 and 40.
Example 2:
A number is decreased by 9 and the result is 25. Find the number by writing a linear equation.
Solution:
Let the number be x.
According to the question,
x−9=25
⇒ x=25+9
⇒ x=34
Answer: The number is 34.
Example 3:
If 5 is subtracted from three times a number, the result is 16. Find the number.
Solution:
Let the number be x.
Then, according to the question,
3x−5=16
⇒ 3x=16+5
⇒ 3x=21
⇒ x=7
Answer: The number is 7.
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Example 4:
The sum of a number and its half is 54. Find the number.
Solution:
Let the number be x.
Then its half is 2x.
According to the question,
x+2x=54
Multiply both sides by 2 to remove the fraction:
2x+x=108
⇒ 3x=108
⇒ x=36
Answer: The number is 36.
Example 5:
The perimeter of a rectangle is 50 cm. If the length is 5 cm more than twice its breadth, find the dimensions.
Solution:
Let the breadth be x cm.
Then the length is 2x+5 cm.
Perimeter of a rectangle = 2(length+breadth).
So,
2((2x+5)+x)=50
⇒ 2(3x+5)=50
⇒ 6x+10=50
⇒ 6x=40
⇒ x=640=6.67 cm
Now, length = 2x+5=2(6.67)+5=18.34 cm
Answer: Breadth = 6.67 cm, Length = 18.34 cm.
Example 6:
When a number is multiplied by 4 and 7 is added, the result is 31. Find the number.
Solution:
Let the number be x.
According to the question,
4x+7=31
⇒ 4x=31−7
⇒ 4x=24
⇒ x=6
Answer: The number is 6.
Common Mistakes Students Make While Solving Linear Equations
Even when the concept and formulas are clear, students often slip into predictable traps. Recognising these pitfalls helps avoid losing marks and builds confidence.
Here are some common mistakes students should avoid:
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Mis-identifying the form – Sometimes the equation is given in a disguised form (e.g., 4y−8=2(3y+1)). Failing to simplify leads to wrong slope or intercept. Always expand and collect like terms.
Forgetting to check domain or restrictions – While not common in simpler class 10 problems, sometimes coefficients or terms may reduce to special cases (e.g., zero slope). Being aware prevents mis-interpretation.
Graphing incorrectly due to scale or intercept mistake – Plotting wrong points (e.g., x-intercept = -6 instead of +6), or mis-reading the axes, results in wrong graph and hence wrong answers when reading off values.
Mixing up slope sign – A positive slope means line rises left to right, a negative slopes falls. Confusion here leads to mis-drawing and mis-reading the line.
Using the wrong formula for the context – For instance, applying the one-variable solution method when a two-variable graph question is asked. Recognising the type of linear equation at the start avoids wasted effort.
Arithmetic mistakes when solving – Simple errors like dividing when one should subtract, or sign errors when moving terms across the equals sign. Even though the concept is clear, such mistakes cost marks.
Not linking graph to equation meaning – Students plot a graph but fail to interpret what slope intercept or point means for the context of the problem (especially word-problem style). Always ask: “What does this line tell me?”
Tip & Trick Summary:
Always rewrite the equation in a standard form before applying formulas.
For graphing, pick intercepts first (easy points) then plot the line.
Check slope sign by picking two clear points post-plotting.
Label axes clearly and mark units when drawing.
After plotting, “read back” the equation from the line as a verification step.
Practice with a variety of linear equation examples (including ones from class 10 maths textbook) to build fluency.
NCERT Class 10 — Linear Equations Practice Questions with Answer
Question 1
Form the pair of linear equations for the following situation and find the solution:
The sum of two numbers is 27, and one number is three more than twice the other.
Solution:
Let one number be x and the other be y.
According to the question:
1️⃣ x+y=27
2️⃣ x=2y+3
Substitute the value of x from (2) in (1):
2y+3+y=27
⇒ 3y=24
⇒ y=8
Now, x=2(8)+3=19.
Answer: The numbers are 19 and 8.
Question 2
Solve the following pair of linear equations:
3x+2y=112x−y=4
Solution:
From the second equation:
2x−y=4⇒y=2x−4
Substitute in the first equation:
3x+2(2x−4)=11
⇒ 3x+4x−8=11
⇒ 7x=19
⇒ x=719
Now, y=2x−4=2(719)−4=738−28=710.
Answer: x=719,y=710
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Question 3
A boat goes 16 km downstream in 2 hours and returns the same distance upstream in 4 hours. Find the speed of the boat in still water and the speed of the stream.
Solution:
Let the speed of the boat in still water = x km/h,
speed of the stream = y km/h.
Downstream speed = x+y,
Upstream speed = x−y.
Using speed = distance/time,
{x+y16=2x−y16=4
Simplify:
x+y=8 and x−y=4.
Add the equations: 2x=12⇒x=6.
Substitute in x+y=8: 6+y=8⇒y=2.
Answer: Speed of boat = 6 km/h, speed of stream = 2 km/h.
Question 4
The sum of the digits of a two-digit number is 9. If the digits are reversed, the new number is 27 more than the original number. Find the number.
Solution:
Let the tens digit be x and the units digit be y.
Original number = 10x+y,
Reversed number = 10y+x.
According to the question:
1️⃣ x+y=9
2️⃣ 10y+x=10x+y+27
⇒ 9y−9x=27
⇒ y−x=3
Now solve the two equations:
{x+y=9y−x=3
Add them: 2y=12⇒y=6.
Then x=3.
Answer: The number is 36.
Level up your class 10 maths skills, become confident in linear equation chapter
Question 5
Two equations are given as 2x+3y=8 and 4x+6y=16.
Find whether the lines are intersecting, parallel or coincident.
Solution:
Compare ratios:
a2a1=42=21,b2b1=63=21,c2c1=168=21
Since a2a1=b2b1=c2c1,
the two lines are coincident (same line, infinite solutions).
Answer: The lines are coincident
Question 6
From the pair of linear equations below, find the value of k for which the lines are parallel:
2x+3y=44x+ky=8
Solution:
For lines to be parallel,
a2a1=b2b1=c2c1
Here,
a2a1=42=21,b2b1=k3
For parallel lines, 21=k3.
Cross-multiplying gives k=6.
Answer: k=6
Question 7
Solve graphically:
x+y=4x−y=2
Solution (By substitution):
From the second equation: x=y+2.
Substitute in first:
y+2+y=4⇒2y=2⇒y=1.
Then x=3.
Answer: The two lines intersect at (3, 1).

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Turn Lines into Learning Wins!”
Linear Equations aren’t just about numbers they’re about understanding relationships, logic, and patterns that shape the entire world of maths. From the standard form to graph plotting and problem-solving, mastering this topic builds a strong base for advanced algebra and higher classes. When the concepts of slope, intercepts, and variables start making sense, every equation becomes a story waiting to be solved.
However, consistent practice and the right guidance make all the difference. That’s where PlanetSpark steps in offering interactive live classes, concept-based learning, and expert mentorship designed especially for Class 10 students. Whether preparing for board exams or aiming to build deeper mathematical confidence, PlanetSpark turns every doubt into clarity and every challenge into a win.

