Section 2.6 Literal Equations and Applications of Geometry 165 b. for y The goal is to solve for y. Subtract 5x from both sides to isolate the y-term. 5x 12 is the same as 12 5x. Divide both sides by 2 to isolate y. 5x 2y 12 5x 5x 2y 12 5x 2y 5x 12 2y 2 y 5x 12 2 5x 12 2 5x 2 5x 12 2 Solving for an Indicated Variable Example 2 C 59 1F 322 The formula is used to find the temperature, C, in degrees Celsius for a given temperature expressed in degrees Fahrenheit, F. Solve the formula for F. Solution: Clear parentheses. Multiply: Multiply by the LCD to clear fractions. Apply the distributive property. Simplify. Add 160 to both sides. Divide both sides by 5. 1F 322 5 9 1F 322 5 9 F 5 9 F 5 9 32 160 9 C 59 C C 9C 5F 160 9C 160 5F 160 160 9C 160 5F 9C 160 9C 160 The answer may be written in several forms: 9C 5 or F 9 5 F 1 C 32 160 5 F 9C 160 5 5 F 5 5F 5 9C 9 1 5 9 F 9 1 160 9 91C2 9a5 9 F 160 9 b 5 9 32 1 160 9 C . Classroom Example: p. 170, Exercise 32 Answer 3. x 3y 7 Avoiding Mistakes In the expression do not try to divide the 2 into the 12. The divisor of 2 is dividing the entire quantity, (not just the 12). We may, however, apply the divisor to each term individually in the numerator. That is, can be written in several different forms. Each is correct. or y 5x 2 y 1 6 12 2 y 5x 12 2 5x 12 2 5x 12 Skill Practice 3. Solve for the indicated variable. y for x. 1 3 1x 72
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