Literally Easy!

For beginning math students, it is so frustrating, much more confusing to solve literal equations. They are first trained to solve for a variable that should equal to something, usually a value, such as x=3 or y = -15.

But first, what is literal equation, anyway?

The 2^nd definition of the word “literal” from Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literal) is “of, relating to, or expressed in letters”. Hence literal equations are equations which are mostly comprised of letters or in mathematics, we call them variables. Therefore, solving literal equations is to solve for a particular variable from the given equation.

For me, I just think “formulas” or “formulae”. They’re bunch of letters, or variables. Those were the ones we usually memorize to solve for something such as “formula”  for area of a triangle (A=1/2 bh), or the distance formula (D=rt), or the interest formula (I=PRT), or…. you get the point!

Yet, how on earth do you solve b from a=3b-c??? Is that the ABC formula?

 Nope, there is no such thing as ABC formula, of course! This is where a literal equation looks like a formula comes in. They’re just bunch of letters. And all you need is what your teacher and mom and dad have been telling you all your life: practice!

So, lets start with something simple as solve for x from 3x + 4 = 10.

1. 3x + 4 = 10
2. 3x + 4 - 4 = 10 – 4
3. 3x = 6
4. 3x /3 = 6 /3
5. x = 2
6. check your answer: 3(2) + 4 = 10; 6 +4 = 10; 10 =10

Now, with the same steps you’ve been trained all along, solve for x from 3x + b = 10.

1. 3x + b = 10
2. 3x + b - b = 10 -b
3. 3x = 10 - b
4. 3x /3 = (10-b)
5. x = (10-b)/3

It’s that easy! But of course, I know what you’re thinking: arrggh, my teacher always  give very easy examples but  much more complicated homework, quiz or test! 

And I say: Good teacher! hahaha...

But really, to solve a literal equation simply means to rewrite the equation so that a different variable (letter) stands alone on one side of the equals sign. And that variable to solve for have to specified in the first place.

Here are simple steps to remember:

1. What is the variable you want to be by itself on one side of the equal sign?
2. Now, think: all others are now numbers. You want to get rid of them from the variable you want isolated. Remember that you can add, subtract, multiply and divide by a variable. When dividing, remember that you can’t do so by zero.
3. Use all of the rules of “undoing” or “opposite” that you’ve learned from solving equations.
4. All rules of algebra apply. The most important in solving equation is: whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other side.
5. When the variable you want is by itself on one side of the equation, you’ve done your job!

Now, here's your homework:
Solve m/n + 5m = 20, for m

For the love of Math

So here I am, reviewing my blogspot accounts. And oh, my! It's been 2 years since my last blog. Well, I deleted them since even I can't connect to it anymore. Naaahhh, not really! In fact, it's all about my classroom policies and I miss, drum roll please!, my students.

Yes, unbelievable hah? But I am teaching out of the classroom now and somehow I miss those crazy days. And my former "classroom" students have been clamoring for me (yah, right?) since this school year started last week.

So, here I am, getting their attention again but with much relaxed ambiance.

My dear students, whoever you are and whereever you are, this is for you. You could invite friends and other classmates to jump in to, if they need to.... and yes, parents, come on  and join us, too.

Wait, you say, what is this all about? Math tutoring, what else? For free, at your convenience, in your time! And of course, anything in between.

Here's the plan.

You say hello to me and download your outpouring love of math in this site - including some questions on homework you're stuck with - and I will TRY to calm you down.

Ready? Alright, here we go.....