1. Solving Literal Equations
Text 3.8

2. So what is a literal equation and how do you solve them?
follows the same rules as solving a linear equation.
you are not solving for a specific value for x that will make an equation true.
In a literal equation, you are simply rearranging variables into a more convenient form so that you can plug in values for variables later.

3. Formulas
Literal equations are usually formulas that are used in some type of application. For example,
area, force, volume, and distance formulas can all be a starting point of a literal equation.

4. Suppose you have the area formula for a rectangle
When working with literal equations, you have to be given an additional piece of information other than simply being given a formula. You have to be told what variable you will be solving for. The way the equation is originally presented, we say that the equation is solved for A.
A = lw

5. … In certain situations
it might be helpful to have the equation solved for l.
this will involve the same skills needed to solve a linear equation.
In this case, you only need to divide both sides by w to have .

6. Solve for l:
Divide both sides by w or

7. As formulas become more complicated
it is useful to have the equation solved for a different variable
so you can go straight to plugging in values that you know
and solving for the value you do not know.

10. Solve for l:
P=2(l+w)
P=2l+2w
P-2w=2l 10

11. Solve for h

12. Solve for m

13. Solve for t

14. Solve for h

15. Solve for y

16. Solve for y
-5x
-5x
+2x
+2x

17. Solve for y
2x+4y=8
-2x+2y=6