Literal Equations

Front

What is a literal equation?

Back

A literal equation is an equation that contains two or more variables. It is often 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 both sides of the equation until the variable is alone on one side.

Front

Solve for a in the equation a = pw.

Back

a = pw

Front

Solve for w in the equation a = w/p.

Back

w = ap

Front

Solve for p in the equation a = p/w.

Back

p = aw

Front

Given a = b + c, solve for c.

Back

c = a - b

Front

Given F = \frac{9}{5}C + 32, solve for C.

Back

C = \frac{5}{9}(F - 32)