Literal Equations Coordinate Algebra Standard: 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 = s 3 Area of a circle: A = Πr 2 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