Literal Equations
Equations with several variables (letters) are called literal equations.
Your job, usually, will be to solve the equation for one of the variables. The letters that do not represent your desired variable move to the other side of the equal sign so that the one variable you are solving for stands alone.
Even though there are more letters in these equations, the methods used to solve these equations are the same as the methods you use to solve all equations.
Solve for a: h = a • b + r
Analysis: Focus on the “a”.
We need to isolate the “a”.
Remove the added “r” by subtracting “r” from both sides.
Remove the multiplied “b” by dividing both sides by “b”.
Express the answer, which is in terms of “h”, “r” and “b”.
When solving literal equations, FOCUS on the needed variable and solve as usual.
Check answer: Yes, you can even check these answers.
