1. Algebra I Honors Mini-Lesson
Literal Equations
Algebra I Honors Mini-Lesson

2. The formula for the area of a rectangle is A = lw.
Literal Equations
The formula for the area of a rectangle is A = lw.
SOLUTION
Solve for l in the formula above.
Teaching Tips for Literal Equations:
Ask questions to students on how they get from one step to the next.
Ie- What do we need to do to isolate “L”?
Continue through out the rest of the lesson.
A = lw
Write original formula.
Divide each side by w. l = A w 2

3. Solve for m in the density formula d = m v
Literal Equations
The density of a substance is found by dividing its mass by its volume.
Solve for m in the density formula d = m v
SOLUTION
Write original formula.
d = m v
Teaching Tips for Literal Equations:
Ask questions to students on how they get from one step to the next.
Ie- What do we need to do to isolate “M”?
Continue through out the rest of the lesson.
dv = m
Multiply each side by v. 3

4. Solve for r in the the distance formula d = rt
Literal Equations
Solve for r in the the distance formula d = rt
SOLUTION
d = rt
Write original formula.
Teaching Tips for Literal Equations:
Ask questions to students on how they get from one step to the next.
Ie- What do we need to do to isolate “R”?
Continue through out the rest of the lesson.
Divide each side by t.
= r d t 4

5. The formula for the area of a 1 2 triangle is A = bh.
Literal Equations
The formula for the area of a 1 2
triangle is A = bh.
Solve the formula for b.
SOLUTION
Write original formula.
A = bh 1 2
Teaching Tips for Literal Equations:
Ask questions to students on how they get from one step to the next.
Ie- What do we need to do to isolate “B”?
Continue through out the rest of the lesson.
2A = bh
Multiply each side by 2.
Divide each side by h. 2A h
= b 5

6. The formula used to find the perimeter of a rectangle is P = 2l + 2w.
Literal Equations
The formula used to find the perimeter of a rectangle is P = 2l + 2w.
Solve w in the formula above.
P = 2l + 2w
Write original formula.
P – 2l = 2w
Subtract 2l from both sides.
Teaching Tips for Literal Equations:
Ask questions to students on how they get from one step to the next.
Ie- What do we need to do to isolate “W”?
Continue through out the rest of the lesson.
P – 2l = w
Divide each term by 2.
P – l = w
Simplify. 2