Solving Literal Equations
Rewriting Equations and Formulas
DEFINING NEW TERMS
 Literal Equation

Function Form
Example 1: What do you notice when comparing these two equations?
𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓 = 𝟖
𝒂𝒙 + 𝒃 = 𝒄
Now, solve the equation on the LEFT for the variable justifying each step as you go. Then use the same justification
process to solve the equation on the RIGHT for the same variable.
𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓 = 𝟖
Justification
𝒂𝒙 + 𝒃 = 𝒄
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Example 2: Solve the LEFT equation first justifying each step, the use the justification to solve the RIGHT equation.
𝟏𝟎 – 𝟐𝒙 = 𝟕
Justification
𝒎 – 𝒑𝒙 = 𝒏
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Lesson 1.4a
Unit 1 – Solving Equations
CCSSM: A.CED.4, A.REI.1, A.REI.3
Example 3: Solve for a:
Example 4: Solve for x:
Example 5: Make y a function of x.
a. 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 16
b.
1
𝑥
2
+7=𝑦−4
𝟏
𝒂𝒙 −
𝟑
𝒙
𝒃
𝒄=𝒃
+ 𝒅=𝒄
c. 4𝑦 + 8 = 6𝑥 − 2
d. 5𝑦 − 3𝑥 = 15
Brain Bender: Solve the following equation for x: 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑛 = 𝑚 – 𝑏𝑥. (Could it be easier if we replaced a, b, m, and n
with numbers first to try and see what to do?)
Lesson 1.4a
Unit 1 – Solving Equations
CCSSM: A.CED.4, A.REI.1, A.REI.3