1. Literal Equations aS Formulas
Lesson 2.2b EQ: How do I solve a literal equation (formula) for a specified variable? (Standard CED.4)
Literal Equations aS Formulas

2. Concept: Literal Equations
Introduction
Concept: Literal Equations
EQ: How do I solve a literal equation (formula) for a specified variable? (Standard CED.4)
Vocabulary: Literal Equation

3. Review
Last class we found out what a literal equation was and how to solve for one.
Today, we will dive into how to solve for variables in given formulas.

4. What is a formula?
A formula is a literal equation which states a specific rule or relationship among quantities.

5. Steps: Solving a Literal Equation
Isolate the variable you’re solving by moving all other terms to the opposite side of the equal sign.
Combine like terms on each side of the equal sign.
Solve for the variable.
Simplify.

6. Example 1
The perimeter of a rectangle is, P = 2l+2w, where l is the length of the rectangle and w is the width of a rectangle. Suppose you know the perimeter and width, but want to find the length.
Solve for l.

7. Example 2
The formula for the area of a triangle is A= 1 2 bh, where A the is area, b is the base, and h is the height. Assume you know the area and the height, solve for the length of the base.
Solve for b

8. Example 3
Velocity is measured as distance over time with the formula being v= 𝑑 𝑡 . Assume you know the velocity and distance traveled, how would you find the time?
Solve for t

9. You Try
Temperature can be measured in a unit called Kelvin where the formula is K = C , where C is temperature measured in Celsius.
Solve for C

10. You Try
The volume of a box is V = lwh, where l is the length, w is the width, and h is the height of the box. How would you solve for the height?
Solve for h.

11. Example 4
The surface area of a cylinder is given as S=2𝜋 𝑟 2 +2𝜋𝑟ℎ. How would you solve for h?
Solve for h.

12. You Try The volume of a cylinder is 𝑉= 1 3 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ. Solve for h.