To simplify a linear equation in one variable, you need to isolate the variable on one side of the equation. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Remove any parentheses by applying the distributive property if necessary.
2. Combine like terms on both sides of the equation.
3. Move all terms containing the variable to one side of the equation by adding or subtracting terms.
4. Combine like terms again if necessary.
5. Divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient of the variable to solve for the variable.

Here’s an example to illustrate the steps:

Original equation: 3x + 2 - 5x = 7

Step 1: Apply the distributive property if necessary. 3x - 5x + 2 = 7

Step 2: Combine like terms on both sides of the equation. -2x + 2 = 7

Step 3: Move all terms containing the variable to one side of the equation. -2x = 7 - 2

Step 4: Combine like terms again if necessary. -2x = 5

Step 5: Divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient of the variable. x = 5/(-2)

Final simplified equation: x = -5/2