When solving linear equations in the form of ( ax + b = 0 ), the number ( b ) plays an important role in finding the answer.

1. When ( b ) is Positive:

   • If ( b ) is greater than 0 (like 1, 2, or 4), we can change the equation to find ( x ).
   • We do this by rearranging it to ( x = -\frac{b}{a} ).
   • This means that ( x ) will be a negative number if ( a ) is positive.
   • For example, if ( a = 2 ) and ( b = 4 ), then the solution is ( x = -2 ).

2. When ( b ) is Negative:

   • If ( b ) is less than 0 (like -1, -2, or -4), we again use the same rearranged equation ( x = -\frac{b}{a} ).
   • This time, the answer for ( x ) will be a positive number.
   • For example, if ( a = 2 ) and ( b = -4 ), then the solution is ( x = 2 ).

3. When ( b ) is Zero:

   • If ( b ) is equal to 0, the equation becomes ( ax = 0 ).
   • In this case, ( x = 0 ), no matter what ( a ) is.

By understanding how different values of ( b ) change the answers, we can better understand linear equations.