From the course: Learning Algebra: Solving Equations

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Solving more advanced literal equations

Solving more advanced literal equations

From the course: Learning Algebra: Solving Equations

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Solving more advanced literal equations

- Our last example for Literal Equations is going to demonstrate how we solve for a variable when it's in the denominator. In this equation we have w equals 3s plus u divided by t, and we're asked to solve for t. The variable t is actually in the denominator of this formula, but that's okay, because we're still going to be able to solve. However, we still need to follow the same rules. So in order to really begin solving the equation we need to get rid of the fraction, which seems like we'd be getting rid of that variable t. So we're going to start by following the same rule and multiplying by t on both sides. Since t is the only denominator that's what we're going to multiply by. So I'm going to multiply by t on the right-hand side, and t on the left-hand side. When I multiply by t I'm left with tw on the left-hand side, and on the right-hand side notice that the t in the numerator and the t in the denominator simplify to one. So essentially it's gone and I'm left with 3s plus u. So,…

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