1-4 Literal Equations

1-4 Literal Equations

I can solve literal equations using inverse operations.

What is a literal equation?

A literal equation is an equation that consists of mostly variables.

Formulas are common examples of literal equations, e.g.:

 $A=\pi r^2$  

 $V=lwh$  

 $y=mx+b$  

Example problem

Solve the equation for x

Example Problem

Now solve this equation for x.

Steps for Solving Literal Equations

• Identify the variable you want to solve. The question will always tell you.

• Use properties of equality and inverse operations to solve. Always keep your target variable positive.

Example 1:

 $V=lwh$  

Solve the equation for h.

Multiple Choice

Solve for c. 

 $m=c-s$  

•  $m+c=s$  

•  $c=m+s$  

•  $c=\frac{m}{s}$  

•  $c=sm$  

Multiple Choice

Solve for w.

• w = ap

• w = p/a

• w = a/p

• w = a + p

Example 2:

 $y=mx+b$  

Solve for x. 

Example 3:

 $A=\frac{1}{2}bh$  

Solve for h. 

Multiple Choice

Solve for x:

• x = yb - v

• x = by - v

• x = by + v

Multiple Choice

Solve the literal equation for the given variable.

• 2A/h

• 2/(h)

• 2Ah

• Ah/2

Closing

Solving a literal equation is just like solving any other equation, except we don't know the value of the variables.

Use inverse operations to get the target variable by itself.

Open Ended

What is one thing that you learned in this lesson? Please be specific, and use complete sentences.