Literal Equations (Solving for a Variable)

A literal equation is an equation with two or more variables. Instead of solving for a number, you solve for one variable in terms of the others. You already know many literal equations — they're just formulas: - Area of a rectangle: A = lw - Distance formula: d = rt - Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b - Temperature conversion: F = frac{9}{5}C + 32 The method is exactly the same as solving a reg…

To solve a literal equation for a variable: 1. Identify the variable you're solving for 2. Treat every other letter as if it were a number 3. Use inverse operations (same rules as always) to isolate your target 4. Check: the target variable should be alone on one side

Example: Solve d = rt for t