Overview
This lecture explains how to solve a literal equation for a specific variable, focusing on isolating the variable step by step.
Steps to Isolate the Variable
- To solve for a variable, isolate it by reversing the order of operations.
- Example equation: (a x + B = C)
- Identify that (a) is being multiplied by (x) and added by (B)
- Start by undoing addition: subtract (B) from both sides of the equation.
- After subtraction: (a x = C - B)
- Next, undo multiplication by dividing both sides by (x )
- The result: a = C - B/ x