Linear Equations Given as Formulas Help

Introduction to Linear Equations Given as Formulas

At times math students are given a formula like I = Prt and asked to solve for one of the variables; that is, to isolate that particular variable on one side of the equation. In I = Prt , the equation is solved for “ I .” The method used above for solving for x works on these, too. Many people are confused by the presence of multiple variables. The trick is to think of the variable for which you are trying to solve as x and all of the other variables as fixed numbers. For instance, if you were asked to solve for r in I = Prt , think of how you would solve something of the same form with numbers, say

The steps for solving for r in I = Prt are identical.

All of the formulas used in the following examples and practice problems are formulas used in business, science, and mathematics.

Examples

Linear Equatinos Given as Formulas Practice Problems

Practice

Solve for indicated variable.

4. P = 2 L + 2 W ; L

5. L = L ₀ [1 + a ( dt ); a

6. S = C + RC; C

7. A = P + PRT; R

9. L = a +( n – 1) d; n

Solutions

Practice problems for these concepts can be found at: Algebra Linear Equations Practice Test.