Literal Equations

A literal equation has more than one variable. Your job is to solve for a specific variable, just like any other equation.

Solve for r in d = rt:

Divide both sides by t → r = d/t

Solve for r in C = 2πr:

Divide both sides by 2π → r = C/(2π)

Solve for w in p = 2l + 2w:

Subtract 2l from both sides → p − 2l = 2w

Divide both sides by 2 → w = (p − 2l)/2

The process is the same as always. Use inverse operations to isolate the variable you're solving for.