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 b: y = mx + b

Back

b = y - mx

Front

Solve for s: -2 = 4r + s

Back

s = -4r - 2

Front

Solve for y: 5x + y = 16

Back

y = -5x + 16

Front

Solve for m: m - n = 5

Back

m = n + 5

Front

Solve for r: I = prt

Back

r = I / (pt)

Front

What is the first step in solving a literal equation?

Back

Identify the variable you want to isolate and determine the operations affecting it.

Front

What does it mean to rearrange an equation?

Back

Rearranging an equation means changing the order of the terms or isolating a specific variable without changing the equation's equality.

Front

What is the purpose of solving literal equations?

Back

The purpose is to express one variable in terms of others, which is useful in various applications such as physics, finance, and engineering.