Math

Literal equations.

Definition

Equations that contain two or more variables, where the goal is to solve for one specific variable in terms of the others. Formulas from science and geometry are common examples.

How it works · 4 phases

Step by step.

  1. Identify the variable you need to isolate.
  2. Use inverse operations to move other terms to the opposite side.
  3. If the target variable appears in multiple terms, factor it out.
  4. Divide to isolate the variable completely.
Examples

Real-world.

  • 1 Solving A = ½bh for h gives h = 2A/b
  • 2 Rearranging F = ma to get a = F/m
  • 3 Solving the distance formula d = rt for t gives t = d/r
Related terms

Tangled up with.

Multi-step equations → Equations with variables on both sides → Solving proportions →
Studied in

2 units use this concept.

Algebra 1 Solving Linear Equations → Algebra 2 Equations and Inequalities →