SOLUTION: How is solving for a specified variable in a formula similar to finding a solution for an equation or inequality? How is it different? Demonstrate how to solve a formula for a vari

Algebra ->  Inequalities -> SOLUTION: How is solving for a specified variable in a formula similar to finding a solution for an equation or inequality? How is it different? Demonstrate how to solve a formula for a vari      Log On


   

Question 392770: How is solving for a specified variable in a formula similar to finding a solution for an equation or inequality? How is it different? Demonstrate how to solve a formula for a variable by creating an example.
Answer by MathLover1(20849) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

With a formula, you know the variable's value, and you have to calculate the value of the function of it. A formula is an equation that involves two or more variables that have a specific relationship with each other.

With an equation, you know the function's value, and you have to calculate the value of the variable.
Example : Solve the equation P+=+2L+%2B+2W for L.

Do you recognize this formula?
This happens to be the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle,
where P+=+perimeter, L+=+length, and W+=+width.
In this problem, we need to solve for L. This means we need to get
L on one side and EVERYTHING ELSE on the other side using inverse+%0D%0A%0D%0Aoperations.

Let’s solve this formula for+L:

P+=+2L+%2B+2W...........

P+-2W++=+2L+%2B+2W+-+2W..........Inverse of add 2W is subtract
2W
P+-2W++=+2L+

%28P+-2W%29%2F2++=+2L+%2F2..................Inverse of multiply by 2 is
divide by 2

%28P+-2W%29%2F2++=+L+..............................Formula solved for L