Homework Tips for Week 3

     

Solving Literal Equations

1. Focus on the variable that you are solving for ( let's say x), the variable that you want isolated.

2. To get rid of the other variables on the same side of the equation as "x", do the opposite operation of how the other variables are attached to the "x".

3. Remember, to get a fraction to go to "1" we need to multiply by the reciprocal.

Equations with Parentheses

Note the difference between the use of parentheses in these two equations:

2(4x-1) = 14
8x - 2 = 14
8x = 16
x = 2
2-(4x-1)=16
2 - 4x
+ 1 = 16
- 4x + 3 = 16
-4x = 13
x = 13/-4
   

     
     
     
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