1. **Stating the problem:** Solve a linear equation, which is an equation of the form $ax + b = 0$ where $a$ and $b$ are constants and $x$ is the variable. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve for $x$, isolate $x$ by performing inverse operations. The key rule is to do the same operation on both sides of the equation to maintain equality. 3. **Example:** Suppose the equation is $3x + 6 = 0$. 4. **Step 1:** Subtract 6 from both sides: $$3x + 6 - 6 = 0 - 6$$ which simplifies to $$3x = -6$$ 5. **Step 2:** Divide both sides by 3: $$\frac{3x}{3} = \frac{-6}{3}$$ which simplifies to $$x = -2$$ 6. **Answer:** The solution to the linear equation $3x + 6 = 0$ is $x = -2$. This method applies to any linear equation of the form $ax + b = 0$ by isolating $x$ using inverse operations.