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2-5 Solving for a Variable
Objectives
Solve a formula for a given variable.
Solve an equation in two or more variables
for one of the variables.
Holt Algebra 1
2-5 Solving for a Variable
Solving for a Variable
Step 1 Locate the variable you are asked to
solve for in the equation.
Step 2 Identify the operations on this
variable and the order in which they
are applied.
Step 3 Use inverse operations to undo
operations and isolate the variable.
Holt Algebra 1
2-5 Solving for a Variable
Example 1: Application
The formula C = d gives the circumference of
a circle C in terms of diameter d. The
circumference of a bowl is 18 inches. What is
the bowl's diameter? Leave the symbol  in
your answer.
Holt Algebra 1
2-5 Solving for a Variable
Check It Out! Example 1
Solve the formula d = rt for t. Find the time in
hours that it would take Ernst Van Dyk to
travel 26.2 miles if his average speed was 18
miles per hour.
d = rt
Now use this formula and the information given in
the problem.
Holt Algebra 1
2-5 Solving for a Variable
Check It Out! Example 1
Solve the formula d = rt for t. Find the time in
hours that it would take Ernst Van Dyk to
travel 26.2 miles if his average speed was 18
miles per hour.
Van Dyk’s time was about 1.46 hours.
Holt Algebra 1
2-5 Solving for a Variable
Example 2A: Solving Formulas for a Variable
The formula for the area of a triangle is A = bh,
where b is the length of the base, and is the
height. Solve for h.
A=
bh
2A = bh
Holt Algebra 1
2-5 Solving for a Variable
Example 2B: Solving Formulas for a Variable
The formula for a person’s typing speed is
,where s is speed in words per minute,
w is number of words typed, e is number of
errors, and m is number of minutes typing.
Solve for e.
Holt Algebra 1
2-5 Solving for a Variable
Check It Out! Example 2
The formula for an object’s final velocity is
f = i – gt, where i is the object’s initial
velocity, g is acceleration due to gravity,
and t is time. Solve for i.
f = i – gt
Holt Algebra 1
2-5 Solving for a Variable
A formula is a type of literal equation. A
literal equation is an equation with
two or more variables. To solve for one
of the variables, use inverse operations.
Holt Algebra 1
2-5 Solving for a Variable
Example 3: Solving Literal Equations
A. Solve x + y = 15 for x.
B. Solve pq = x for q.
Holt Algebra 1
2-5 Solving for a Variable
Lesson Quiz: Part 1
Solve for the indicated variable.
1.
for h
2. P = R – C for C
C=R–P
3. 2x + 7y = 14 for y
4.
for m
5.
for C
Holt Algebra 1
m = x(k – 6 )
C = Rt + S
2-5 Solving for a Variable
Lesson Quiz: Part 2
Euler’s formula, V – E + F = 2, relates the
number of vertices V, the number of edges E,
and the number of faces F of a polyhedron.
6. Solve Euler’s formula for F. F = 2 – V + E
7. How many faces does a polyhedron with 8
vertices and 12 edges have? 6
Holt Algebra 1