HOW TO Solve Literal Equations with Common Variables

TRUE OR FALSE: Literal equations are math. Rewriting literal equations is exactly like solving equations for an unknown variable! Only difference is, we can't simplify our values to a real number...the answer is just a new equation.

• TRUE

• FALSE

What variable are you solving for in the literal equation (example 1)?

• m

• n

• x

• p

Why did we divide by (m+n)?

• To isolate x

• Just because

Is it True or False?

You only need to rearrange the literal equation IF the variable you are solving for isn't already on the same side.

If the terms with the common variable you want to "undistribute" are already on the same side of the equation, do not rearrange!

• True

• False

What operation do you need to use to solve  for x?

• Addition

• Subtraction

• Multiplication

• Division

What would it get after I use Distributive Property?

• -2x - 10w

• -2x + 10w

• 2x + 10w

• 2x - 10w

What is the last step to solve the equation?

• Subtract 5 from 10.

• Multiply 5 by 10.

• Add 5 to 10.

• Divide 5 into 10.

What is 1 times (x - c)?

• 1x

• 1c

• x + c

• x - c

What should be put inside the parentheses?

• g

• x - g

• 1 - g

• 1 + g