Literal Equations

Front

What is a literal equation?

Back

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

Front

How do you isolate a variable in a literal equation?

Back

To isolate a variable, you perform inverse operations to move other terms to the opposite side of the equation.

Front

What is the first step to solve the equation A - B = C for A?

Back

Add B to both sides of the equation to isolate A: A = C + B.

Front

What is the first step to solve the formula P = rt for P?

Back

To solve for P, you can directly state that P = rt.

Front

What is the first step to solve the formula for r in the equation P = rt?

Back

Divide both sides by t to isolate r: r = P/t.

Front

What is the first step to solve the equation Ax + y = 0 for y?

Back

Subtract Ax from both sides to isolate y: y = -Ax.

Front

What is the first step to solve the equation y = mx + b for x?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to perform inverse operations?

Back

Inverse operations are operations that undo each other, such as addition and subtraction or multiplication and division.

Front

How can you check if your solution for a variable is correct?

Back

You can substitute your solution back into the original equation to see if both sides are equal.

Front

What is the importance of rearranging literal equations?

Back

Rearranging literal equations allows you to express one variable in terms of others, which is essential for solving application-based problems.