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Chapter Contents

• Basic Algebra
• 1. Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Expressions
• 2. Multiplication of Algebraic Expressions
• 3. Division of Algebraic Expressions
• 4. Solving Equations
• 5. Formulas and Literal Equations
• 6. Applied Verbal Problems
• Algebra Problem Solver

• Comments, Questions?

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5. Formulas and Literal Equations

It is very common in science and engineering to have a formula that needs re-arranging so that a variable that is originally on the right hand side becomes the subject of the formula, on the left.

In this section, we need to find an expression (involving letters and numbers) which is equal to a particular given letter. [Hence literal equation].

We simply solve the equation like we did in the previous Solving Equations section, by balancing both sides.

Example 1

We recall the area of a rectangle with width w and height h.

A = w × h

Express the formula in terms of the height.

Answer

Example 2

The area of a circle is given by

A = π r²

Solve for r.

Answer

Example 3

Solve A₁ = A(M + 1) for M.

Answer

Example 4

Solve the following for T₁:

T = 3(T₂ − T₁)

Answer