Class 9 · CBSE / NCERT · Mathematics

Linear Equations in Two Variables — Class 9

One equation, two unknowns — infinitely many solutions, all lying on one straight line. Compute any solution instantly.

Linear equation in two variablesAn equation of the form ax + by + c = 0, where a and b are not both zero.
SolutionAny pair (x, y) that satisfies the equation. A linear equation in two variables has infinitely many solutions.
GraphEvery solution of ax + by + c = 0 is a point on a straight line, and every point on that line is a solution.

Solve-for-y calculator Interactive

Enter a, b, c and a value of x to find the matching y on the line ax + by + c = 0.

y = −(ax+c)/b

Pick any x you like — a linear equation in two variables has infinitely many (x, y) solutions, all on one line.

Solved examples

Q1. Find two solutions of 2x + y = 8.

Let x = 0: 2(0) + y = 8 ⇒ y = 8 → (0, 8)

Let x = 4: 2(4) + y = 8 ⇒ y = 0 → (4, 0)

Both (0, 8) and (4, 0) are solutions.

Formula sheet

QuantityFormula
General formax + by + c = 0
Solve for yy = −(ax + c)/b
x-intercept (y=0)x = −c/a

Common mistakes & exam wins

  • A linear equation in ONE variable has one solution; in TWO variables it has infinitely many.
  • The easiest solutions to find are where x = 0 or y = 0.
  • y = mx + c is a special case of ax + by + c = 0 (with b = −1... rearranged).

Frequently asked questions

How many solutions does a linear equation in two variables have?

Infinitely many — every point on the line it represents is a solution.

What is the graph of ax + by + c = 0?

A straight line; every solution of the equation is a point on that line.

How do you find the x-intercept of a line?

Set y = 0 and solve for x: x = −c/a.