Solving Literal Equations: Key Concepts and Techniques

What is the first step in solving the equation 2x - 5 = 11?

• Divide both sides by 2

• Add 5 to both sides

• Subtract 5 from both sides

• Multiply both sides by 2

After isolating 2x in the equation 2x + 5y = 20, what is the next step to solve for x?

• Divide both sides by 2

• Multiply both sides by 2

• Subtract 5y from both sides

• Add 5y to both sides

How can you express x in terms of y from the equation 2x + 5y = 20?

• x = (20 - 5y) / 2

• x = 20 / 2 - 5y

• x = 2 / (20 - 5y)

• x = 5y / 20 - 2

What is the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle?

• P = 2L + 2W

• P = 2L + W

• P = L + W

• P = L + 2W

To solve for L in the perimeter formula P = 2L + 2W, what is the first step?

• Divide both sides by 2

• Subtract 2W from both sides

• Add 2W to both sides

• Multiply both sides by 2

What is the formula for the area of a trapezoid?

• A = H(B + b) / 2

• A = H(B + b)

• A = 2H(B + b)

• A = H(B - b) / 2

In the area formula of a trapezoid, what is the first step to solve for H?

• Multiply both sides by 2

• Subtract B from both sides

• Divide both sides by 2

• Add B and b

How do you isolate B in the equation A = H(B + b) / 2?

• Divide both sides by 2 and then multiply by H

• Add B and b

• Multiply both sides by 2 and then divide by H

• Subtract b from both sides

What is the first step in solving the equation Z(ax - BD) + NQ = NX - A for X?

• Add NX to both sides

• Subtract NX from both sides

• Distribute Z to the terms inside the parentheses

• Divide both sides by Z

In the equation 5x - (2q + D) = a(x + 1), what should you do first to solve for x?

• Divide both sides by 5

• Subtract D from both sides

• Distribute the negative sign and a

• Add 2q to both sides