3-8 Solving Equations and Formulas Objectives: Students will solve equations for given variables and use formulas to solve real-world problems. S. Calahan 2008
Solve an equation for a Specific Variable When an equation contains more than one variable you may need to solve the equation for one of the variables. 3x – 4y = 7 solve for y So we need to subtract 3x from each side of the equation to leave the y term by itself. 11/16/2018
3x – 4y = 7 -3x = -3x -4y = -3x + 7 -4 -4 y = -3x + 7 -4 -4 -4 y = -3x + 7 -4 The value of y is -3x + 7 11/16/2018
Solve an equation for a specific variable 2m – t = sm + 5 solve for m In a problem like this we must first isolate the variable m since that is the variable we are solving for. 2m – t = sm + 5 -sm -sm 2m – sm – t = 5 Remember: sm and 2m are NOT like terms. 11/16/2018
2m – sm – t = 5 2m –sm – t + t = 5 + t 2m – sm = 5 + t To isolate the m terms we must add t to both sides. 2m –sm – t + t = 5 + t 2m – sm = 5 + t m(2 – s) = 5 + t use the distributive property 2 – s 2 – s to isolate m m = 5 + t 2 – s Divide both sides by 2 - s 11/16/2018
Use a formula C = 2πr C = circumference r = radius If the circumference of a ball is 24 inches what is the radius? 11/16/2018
First solve the formula for r C = 2πr divide both sides by 2π 2π 2π r = C 2π Now substitute c = 24 and solve for the radius 11/16/2018
r = C 2π r = 24/2π remember π = 3.14 = 37.68 in. 11/16/2018