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solving literal equations for a specified variable — this means rearranging the equation so that the desired variable is isolated on one side. These are “two-step” problems, meaning you typically need to perform two inverse operations (like adding/subtracting and then multiplying/dividing) to isolate the variable.
Let’s solve each equation step-by-step.
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🔹 Left Column
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1. Solve for y: 3y – x = 5
We want to get `y` by itself.
Step 1: Add `x` to both sides to eliminate `-x`:
> 3y = 5 + x
Step 2: Divide both sides by 3:
> y = (5 + x)/3
✔ Answer: y = (x + 5)/3
*(Note: We write it as (x + 5)/3 for standard form, but (5 + x)/3 is also correct.)*
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2. Solve for b: w = 2b – 4
We want to isolate `b`.
Step 1: Add 4 to both sides:
> w + 4 = 2b
Step 2: Divide both sides by 2:
> b = (w + 4)/2
✔ Answer: b = (w + 4)/2
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3. Solve for p: m = –2p + 3
Isolate `p`.
Step 1: Subtract 3 from both sides:
> m – 3 = –2p
Step 2: Divide both sides by –2:
> p = (m – 3)/(–2)
We can simplify by writing the negative in front:
> p = –(m – 3)/2
> or p = (3 – m)/2
✔ Answer: p = (3 – m)/2
*(This is cleaner than leaving the negative denominator.)*
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4. Solve for n: 2w = 2n + 3
Isolate `n`.
Step 1: Subtract 3 from both sides:
> 2w – 3 = 2n
Step 2: Divide both sides by 2:
> n = (2w – 3)/2
✔ Answer: n = (2w – 3)/2
*(Can also be written as n = w – 3/2, but unless asked to split, leave as single fraction.)*
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🔹 Right Column
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5. Solve for t: g = 4t – 5
Isolate `t`.
Step 1: Add 5 to both sides:
> g + 5 = 4t
Step 2: Divide both sides by 4:
> t = (g + 5)/4
✔ Answer: t = (g + 5)/4
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6. Solve for b: k = –2b + 1
Isolate `b`.
Step 1: Subtract 1 from both sides:
> k – 1 = –2b
Step 2: Divide both sides by –2:
> b = (k – 1)/(–2)
> or b = –(k – 1)/2
> or b = (1 – k)/2
✔ Answer: b = (1 – k)/2
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7. Solve for v: r = (5v)/2
Isolate `v`.
Step 1: Multiply both sides by 2 to eliminate the denominator:
> 2r = 5v
Step 2: Divide both sides by 5:
> v = (2r)/5
✔ Answer: v = (2r)/5
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8. Solve for p: 2p + 1 = h
Isolate `p`.
Step 1: Subtract 1 from both sides:
> 2p = h – 1
Step 2: Divide both sides by 2:
> p = (h – 1)/2
✔ Answer: p = (h – 1)/2
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##
✔ Final Answers Summary:
| Equation | Solved for Variable | Answer |
|----------|---------------------|--------|
| 3y – x = 5 | y | y = (x + 5)/3 |
| w = 2b – 4 | b | b = (w + 4)/2 |
| m = –2p + 3 | p | p = (3 – m)/2 |
| 2w = 2n + 3 | n | n = (2w – 3)/2 |
| g = 4t – 5 | t | t = (g + 5)/4 |
| k = –2b + 1 | b | b = (1 – k)/2 |
| r = (5v)/2 | v | v = (2r)/5 |
| 2p + 1 = h | p | p = (h – 1)/2 |
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Tip: When solving literal equations, always:
- Identify the target variable.
- Use inverse operations to undo what’s being done to it.
- Keep the equation balanced (do the same thing to both sides).
- Simplify the final expression if possible.
Let me know if you’d like to see these solved with diagrams or visual steps!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of solve for x equations worksheet.