Solving Literal Equations

Front

What is a literal equation?

Back

A literal equation is an equation that contains two or more variables, and it is solved for one variable in terms of the others.

Front

What is the first step in solving the equation Ax + y = B for y?

Back

Subtract Ax from each side to isolate y.

Front

How do you solve the equation W = A/L for A?

Back

Multiply both sides by L to get A = LW.

Front

What is the formula for the circumference of a circle, and how do you solve it for r?

Back

The formula is C = 2πr. To solve for r, divide both sides by 2π: r = C/(2π).

Front

How do you solve the equation cy = 10 for y?

Back

Divide both sides by c to get y = 10/c.

Front

What is the process to solve the equation xy + w = 9 for y?

Back

Subtract w from both sides and then divide by x: y = (9 - w)/x.

Front

What does it mean to isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

Isolating a variable means rearranging the equation so that the variable is on one side and all other terms are on the opposite side.

Front

What is the importance of understanding literal equations in algebra?

Back

Understanding literal equations is crucial for solving real-world problems where relationships between variables need to be expressed mathematically.

Front

What is the general strategy for solving literal equations?

Back

The general strategy involves using inverse operations to isolate the variable of interest.

Front

Can you give an example of a literal equation and how to solve it?

Back

Example: Solve for x in the equation 3x + 5 = 20. Subtract 5 from both sides to get 3x = 15, then divide by 3 to find x = 5.