Solve the Linear Equation 5x = 1: Find x

Not all equations have whole number solutions! When we divide 1 by 5, we get $\frac{1}{5}$, which is the exact answer. Decimals like 0.2 are also correct but fractions are often preferred.

No! Multiplying would give you $25x = 5$, making the problem harder. When the coefficient is already multiplying x, you need to divide to isolate x.

Substitute back into the original equation: $5 \times \frac{1}{5} = \frac{5}{5} = 1$. Since the left side equals 1, and the right side is 1, our answer is correct!

These are common wrong answers! If x = 1, then $5(1) = 5 \neq 1$. If x = 5, then $5(5) = 25 \neq 1$. Always verify your answer!

The method shown is already the simplest approach! For equations like $ax = b$, always divide both sides by the coefficient a. This is a fundamental skill you'll use in more complex problems.