The document provides instruction on solving literal equations by manipulating equations to isolate variables. It begins by defining literal equations as equations containing mostly or all letters, often representing formulas. Examples of common formulas are provided. The key point is that variables have the same properties as numbers and can be manipulated using inverse operations. The remainder of the document provides examples of one-step and two-step equations to solve for various variables, emphasizing manipulating equations to isolate the variable of interest.

1. Solving Literal Equations
Unit 2: Equations & Inequalities

2. Lesson Objectives
Today I am: Learning to solve literal equations
So that I can: Learn to manipulate the slope-
intercept equation to master linear graphing.
Prepare skills to be successful in other classes
such as geometry, ICP, biology and Algebra II.
I know I’ve got it when: I understand how to
manipulate equations using inverse operations to
isolate the required variable.

3. Literal Equations
 Literal means related to or being comprised of
letters.
 A literal equation is an equation with most or all
letters.
 Solving a literal equation is a way taking an
equation of a lot of letters and solving (isolating)
for one letter in particular. Often times literal
equations are formulas.
 A formula is an algebraic expression relating two
or more quantities
 For example:
 The formula for area of a rectangle is A = bh
 The formula for the volume of a prism is V = Bh
 The formula for distance is d = rt

4. VIP
 By definition, variables represent numbers.
 Therefore (and this KEY), variables have the
same properties as numbers …

5. One Step Equations
x + 3 = 5 Solve for a:
a + b = c

6. One Step Equations
Solve for a:
6
4

x
c
b
a


7. One Step Equations
Solve for b:
305 x
cab 

8. Two Step Equations
Solve for b:
273 x
dcab 

9. Two Step Equations
Solve for a:
7
ma
b



10. Two Step Equations
Solve for M:
MA + R = S

11. Two Step Equations
 The formula for kinetic energy
is where m represents the mass of
an object and v represents its velocity.
Solve the formula for m.

12. Two Step Equations
 Solve for C:
J = AC - K

13. Two Step Equations
 Solve for C:
se
k
ca


14. Remember your fraction rules!
 Solve for h

A 
1
2
bh

15.  Solve for m:
F = ma

16.  Solve for h:
PE = mgh

17. Two Step Equations
 Solve for p:
4
pa
w



18. Two Step Equations
 Solve for c:
s
t
ac



19.  Solve for t:
S = d
t

20. P = 2d + 2w, for w

21. Solve for c:
1/3 = 2c - 5/3

22.  Solve for k:

23. DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!!!
Solve the formula for f:
c = 5(f -32)
9

24. Now you try!

25. Guided Practice
2x + b = w, for x

26. 15x + 1 = y, for x

27. 3A= pw, for p

28. Guided Practice
ax – b = c, for x

29. DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!!
Solve the formula for r:
j = 3(r -18)
7

30. Solve for c:
1/5 = 2c - 4/5

31. 3z + y = 8, for z

32. xy + w = 9, for y

33. for as
t
ac

