Literal Equations

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

Isolate the variable you want to solve for by using inverse operations on both sides of the equation.

$$x = \frac{3 - 2c}{-3}$$ .

$$r = \frac{I}{pt}$$ .

$$x = \frac{2 - y}{5}$$ .

$$x = -a + 3y$$ .

$$x = \frac{y + 2}{2}$$ .

To isolate a variable means to manipulate the equation so that the variable is on one side of the equation by itself.

Rearranging a literal equation allows you to express one variable in terms of others, making it easier to solve for that variable.

The area of a rectangle is given by $$A = lw$$ , where $$l$$ is the length and $$w$$ is the width.