SOLUTION: the question is solve for J. Q=I^2Rt/J This whole concept of literal equations has me stumped. I never know what to do at all. I will attempt to answer a question get it rig

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: the question is solve for J. Q=I^2Rt/J This whole concept of literal equations has me stumped. I never know what to do at all. I will attempt to answer a question get it rig      Log On


   



Question 316429: the question is solve for J. Q=I^2Rt/J
This whole concept of literal equations has me stumped. I never know what to do at all. I will attempt to answer a question get it right and be amazed, yet the next problem I will do the same way and get it wrong.I have been on several websites looking for different explanations to do these problems and they all read like greek to me.Thank you in advance for your help.

Found 2 solutions by Fombitz, rapaljer:
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Q=I%5E2Rt%2FJ
Multiply both sides by J.
JQ=I%5E2Rt
Divide both side by Q.
J=I%5E2Rt%2FQ

Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Please try MY website. More on that later. First, let me solve your problem.

Q=%28I%5E2Rt%29%2FJ for J.

First, clear the fraction by multiplying both sides by J:
J%2AQ+=+J%2A%28%28I%5E2Rt%29%2FJ%29+
JQ=I%5E2Rt

Now, since you are solving for J, you need to get the J all by itself. What you have is JQ, which means J*Q, where the operation is MULTIPLICATION. You need to get the J by itself, which means that you need to UNDO the Q variable. You UNDO multiplication by DIVIDING, so DIVIDE both sides by Q to leave the J alone:
%28JQ%29%2FQ=%28I%5E2Rt%29%2FQ
J=%28I%5E2Rt%29%2FQ

Whatever you do, DON'T be INTIMIDATED by LITERAL EQUATIONS!!! Please see my OWN website by clicking on my tutor name "rapaljer" anywhere in algebra.com. There you will find the link to my website. From my Homepage, look for my non-traditinal curriculum on the link "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time." Choose either "Basic Algebra" or "Intermediate Algebra", depending upon what level you are studying. I recommend starting with Basic Algebra, and if this looks too easy for you, then take a look at Intermediate Algebra! In Basic Algebra, look in Chapter 3 for Section 3.07 for Literal Equations problems. For Intermediate Algebra, look in Chapter 2 for Section 2.07. These sections are also supported by the "Math in Living Color" pages where many of my execises are solved IN COLOR.

In addition to all of this written explanation, I have FREE VIDEOS of me teaching in some of my classes a few years ago before I retired. To see the videos, from my Homepage, look for the link "Rapalje Videos in Living Color." There is a video on "Fractional and Literal Equations" in Intermediate Algebra. The Literal Equations are at the end of this video, but you can fast-forward to the Literal Equations part of the video.

If you like my curriculum and videos, please recommend my website to your friends and relatives. I know a LOT of people have trouble with math, and I tried to provide a FREE resource, with LOTS of PRACTICE TESTS with detailed SOLUTIONS, written in a way that "non-math" folks can understand it.

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus