2.9: Solving Literal Equation for One of the Variables
We can use the methods we learned in the previous sections to solve literal equations, or formulas which often have more than one variable. When a literal equation has more than one variable, we can solve for the variable of interest with respect to the other variable.
For example, consider the equation 2a + b = 10. Here, there are two variables, a and b. If we want to solve for b, we can do so with respect to a. We can subtract 2a from both sides to obtain: 10 − 2a = b.
Read the section on linear literal equations. Be sure to go through the examples in detail. After read, complete the exercises for literal equations and check your answers.
We can apply these concepts to known formulas, such as formulas for area of a shape or rates.
Watch these videos for real examples of using formulas. In the first video, the formula for perimeter of a rectangle is solved for the width. In the second, a formula is used to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius.