1. Solving Literal Equations When solving for a variable, you must isolate the variable. Think about opposites, how do you undo addition? Subtraction? Multiplication? Division?

2. Isolating the Variable 1.Take care of all the addition and subtraction signs first. 2.Then remove all of the division or multiplication pieces.

3. Example 1: y = mx + b, Solve for m. y = m x + b y = m x + b y – b = m x + b - b y – b = m x x x m = y - b x Subtract b from both sides. Divide by x on both sides. Solve for m.

4. Example 2: V = lwh, Solve for h. V = lwh V = lwh Divide by lw on both sides. V = lwh lw lw h = V lw Make sure h is by itself.

5. Example 3: P = 2L + 2W, Solve for L. P = 2L + 2w P = 2L + 2wSolve for L. Subtract 2w from both sides. P -2w = 2L + 2w -2w Divide by 2 on both sides. p – 2w = 2L 2 2 Make sure L is by itself. L = p-2w 2

6. Class work: Class work: You try these: 1.V f = V i + at, Solve for t. 2.A = ½h (b 1 + b 2 ), Solve for h. 3.F = 9/5 C + 32, Solve for C.

7. Summary: Why is it important to be able to solve for a specific variable within a formula?