To create a linear equation from a given situation, follow these simple steps:

1. Find the Variables:
   First, figure out what is changing. Choose letters to represent these changes. For example, let $x$ stand for the number of hours worked, and let $y$ be the total amount of money earned.

2. Look at the Relationships:
   Think about how the variables connect. For instance, if you earn £10 for every hour you work, you can write this connection as:

   $y = 10x$

3. Identify Starting Values:
   Sometimes, there is a starting amount (called the y-intercept). If you get a £5 fee before starting work, you would change the equation to:

   $y = 10x + 5$

4. Make the Equation:
   Put everything together into a standard format like $y = mx + c$. Here:

   • $m$ means the slope (how much the total changes),
   • $c$ is the y-intercept (the starting amount).

5. Use a Number Example:
   If you worked for $x = 2$ hours, plug that into your equation:

   $y = 10(2) + 5 = 25$

   So, after working 2 hours, you would earn £25.

6. Check Your Work:
   Make sure your equation matches the situation. Look at other examples to see if they fit too.

By following these steps, you can easily create a linear equation from different real-life situations!