Solving literal equations

Literal equations are equations that involve mostly variables Let’s look at some examples. 1. Solve for b When the problem says to “solve” for b, this means we want to isolate b. What we can do is divide by h so that only b is left on the right side.

Some problems may seem more complex, but it is really just a few extra steps. Example – Solve for r This is our final answer

Example - Solve for v Fractions are not desired in most equations. We can get rid of the fraction by multiplying by g on both sides This is our final answer

Some problems involve some level of creativity. Example - Solve for x The problem here is that x is in two different terms. So no amount of moving terms over will ever get x by itself. But we should notice that we can factor an x out Now the problem is much easier. We can divide both sides by 1+a This is our final answer