Solving Literal Equations

A linear equation in one variable models the equality between two expressions, while only including one variable. For example, 4(x-8) = 2x is a linear equation in one variable. Consider the formula for the area of a rectangle, A = lw. What operation would you perform to solve this equation for w? The formula for the area of a rectangle is referred to as a literal equation, because it is an equation that includes more than one variable. The properties of real numbers and the properties of equality allow you to solve literal equations for specified variables.

Essential Questions

• How can you use properties to justify the steps to solving multi-step linear equations?
• How can you solve literal equations?