Topic: Rational Equations and Applications
Subtopic: Formulas - Intermediate
Overview
In order to effectively solve application problems, we first need to be able to work with formulas. Typical formulas you have seen before include geometry formulas like area or perimeter, or banking formulas like simple interest. Today we will concentrate on evaluating formulas given specific input values and rearranging formulas by solving for a specific variable. The formulas in this section may include factorable polynomials or rational expressions.
Objectives
By the end of this topic you should know and be prepared to be tested on:
- 9.2.1 Given specific input values, evaluate formula (algebraically and electronically)
- 9.2.2 Solve formula for a specific variable
Terminology
Define: formula, input values, isolating a variable
Text Notes
Text:
Intro & Inter Algebra for CS 3ed by Blitzer, sect. 7.6 (cont'd)
- These notes refer only to the part of the section called "Solving a Formula for a Variable" starting at the bottom of page 512 and continuing through the end of the section.
- The text provides only one example of solving a formula for a specific variable. They expect you to recall, and I would strongly recommend that you review, section 2.4 (elementary formulas) before covering section 7.6 (intermediate formulas).
- You don't need to know what the formulas are used for or memorize any of them, just how to evaluate them when given specific input values and how to rearrange them by solving for (a.k.a. "isolating") a specific variable.