1. Literal Equations
Chapter 9 lesson 1

2. What is a Literal equation?
An equation or formula that has more than one variable

3. How to solve literal equations
With a regular equation, you want to work backward from PEMDAS using inverse operations in order to solve for the given variable.
Ex: 3x + 9 = 15
3x = 6
X = 2
With a literal equation, you want to use the same technique until you have the variable you’re solving for completely alone.
Ex: A = bh , solve for b
in order to get b alone, you must divide both sides by h.
A = bh
h h

4. Solve the following equation for h
When solving for h, always start by writing the given equation.
Use the division property and divide by 2.
Use subtraction property and subtract b from both sides
Since we do not know the value of b, we cannot actually subtract it from anything and therefore leave the equation as is.

6. 1.) V = bwh , for w 2.) I = prt , for r 3.) 𝐴=𝜋 𝑟 2 , 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑟
Try some on your own
Solve the following
1.) V = bwh , for w ) I = prt , for r ) 𝐴=𝜋 𝑟 2 , 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑟

7. Once you solve the equation for the given variable, you can now use that new equation to solve for other solutions.