Solve formulas for any variable using inverse operations.
A literal equation contains more than one variable. When solving for a specific variable, treat all other letters as constants and apply the same inverse operations you use for numeric equations.
Key idea: isolate the target variable by doing the same operations to both sides — no numbers, just algebra.
Solving A = ½bh for h
d = rt → divide both sides by t → r = d/t. If a car travels 240 miles in 4 hours, then r = 240/4 = 60 mph.
Multiply both sides by 9/5: (9/5)C = F − 32. Add 32: F = (9/5)C + 32. This converts Celsius to Fahrenheit.
Remember This!
When the target variable appears in a fraction, multiply both sides by the denominator first. When it appears in a sum, add or subtract to isolate it.
Solve PV = nRT for T.