Solving for variables: at+b=ct for t, t(1/a+1/b)=1 for t,

[Kriquette317]

Hi all, I am stumped on how to solve these three problems. I already have the answers (given on sheet), but cannot for the life of me figure out how to get them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Solve at+b=ct for t

Solve t(1/a + 1/b) = 1 for t

Solve 5(1/a + 1/b)= 1 for a

[stapel_eliz]

Hi all, I am stumped on how to solve these three problems. I already have the answers (given on sheet), but cannot for the life of me figure out how to get them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

To learn how to solve literal equations, try this lesson. Pay particular attention to the "trick" for solving certain equations by factoring.

Solve at+b=ct for t

Get the terms containing "t" together on one side, factor, and divide through to solve.

Solve t(1/a + 1/b) = 1 for t

For this, you can just divide off. (For neatness, you may want to convert the fractions to a common denominator and combine before doing the division.)

Solve 5(1/a + 1/b)= 1 for a

Try multiplying things out, converting to a common denominator, and similar moves.

If you get stuck, please reply showing your work so far, so we can "see" where you're getting stuck. Thank you!

[Kriquette317]

Thank you very much. The trick about factoring was what really helped.