An equation is linear if its graph forms a straight line. This will happen when the highest power of x is "1". Graphically, if the equation gives you a straight line then it is a linear equation. Else if it gives you a circle, or parabola or any other conic for that matter it is a quadratic or nonlinear equation.
is obtained by multiplying and <span> </span>You basically create equivelant fractions for both 1/2 and 1/4 and multiply by each other. This way you get the same result always.