Solving Literal Equations: One and Two

Step

Definitions:Literal Equations:  An Equation where variables represent known values.  (ex: ) We solve Literal Equations just like we been solving single variable equations: Add, Subtract, Multiply, or Divide on both sides.

One Step Literal Equations

=z solve for x+𝑦 y

𝑥=𝑧+𝑦

Solving a literal Equations requires doing the OPPOSITE operation to both sides to a variable.

Unlike equations with numbers, we are unable to combine like terms (ie: leave z+y)

One Step Literal Equations

solve for p𝑟 𝑟

𝑝=𝑡𝑟

Again, leave t/r alone since we cannot reduce the variables without knowing their specific values.

Two Step Literal Equations

n solve for rq q

𝑎𝑟=𝑛−𝑞𝑟 𝑟

𝑎=𝑛−𝑞𝑟

Two Step Literal Equations

solve for a+𝑚

+m𝑎𝑡=(𝑧+𝑚)𝑟 𝑟

𝑎= (𝑧+𝑚 ) 𝑟

ReminderEach variable stands for a numeric value

(number). You can add subtract multiply or divide by any variable so long as you do so to BOTH SIDES OF THE EQUATION!