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A literal equation is an equation which consists primarily of letters. Formulas are an example of literal equations.
Example: y = 8x. Solve for x.
y = 8x
y∕8 = 8x∕8 Divide both sides by 8.
y∕8 = x
Example: d = 7a – 3. Solve for a.
d = 7a – 3
+3 +3
————–
d + 3 = 7a Add 3 to both sides.
(d + 3) ∕7 = (7a) ∕7 Divide both sides by 7.
(d + 3) ∕7 = a
Example: 24c + 5 = 8c – 3b. Solve for c.
24c + 5 = 8c – 3b
-8c -8c Subtract 8c from both sides.
——————–
16c + 5 = – 3b
– 5 – 5 Subtract 5b from both sides.
—————–
16c = -3b – 5
(16c) ∕16 = – (3b + 5) ∕16 Divide both sides by 16.
c = -(3b + 5b) ∕16