Literal Equations

Coordinate AlgebraStandard: A.CED.4

Essential Question:

• How do I rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest?

Vocabulary

• A literal equation is an equation that contains two or more variables.

Info:

• Formulas are examples of literal equations:• Volume of a cube: V = s3

• Area of a circle: A = Πr2

• Area of a rectangular solid: A = lw

Solving…

• You will be given a formula and asked to solve for a specific variable.

• You will need to use inverse operations to isolate that variable.

Example 1

• A = lw; for l• lw is joined by what operation?• Multiplication• What’s the inverse?• Division• Divide both sides by??• w…• A/w = l

Example 2

• A = ½bh; for b• Clear the fraction first by taking the reciprocal

and multiplying.• 2A = bh• Divide by h• 2A/h = b

Example 3

• V = lwh; for h• Divide by BOTH lw at the same time.• V/lw = h

Example 4

• y = 3x – 2; for x• Add 2• Divide by 3• 1/3y + 2/3 = x

Homework:

• Worksheet• Due tomorrow