Solving Literal Equations

Given 15x + 1 = y, solve for x.

Given the equation y = mx + b.  What should we do first to solve for x?

• Add

• Multiply

• Subtract

• Divide

Solve the formula for y. What is the 1st step?

• Subtract B from each side.

• Divide each side by Ax.

• Divide each side by B.

• Subtract Ax from each side.

A - B = C

(solve for A)

• A = C - B

• A = C + B

• A - C = B

• B = A - C

d = rt, solve for r

• r = dt

• r = d/t

• r = d - t

• r = d + t

Solve for T, B = T - Lc

• T = BLc

• T = B - Lc

• T = B + Lc

Solve for b

y = mx + b

• b = y - mx

• b = mx - y

• b = y + mx

• b = ymx

Solve for x

y = mx + b

Solve for c

• c= 3A + a + b

• c = A - 3 - a - b

• c = 3A - a - b