Expert: Josh - 10/20/2008

Question
1. solve x = yz for the variable y and z 2.solve v = d/t for the variable d 3. solve 3x = wyz for variable x y w and z

Answer
HI Jerry

I think we need to rearrange the equation, so that the variable of interest (be it x, y, z or whatever) is isolated on one side of the equation.

There is really nothing to solve for, it's just algebra manipulation. All we have to do is multiply or divide. Let me explain.

We can rewrite the equation, making one of the variables (e.g., y) the subject of the equation.

With x=yz, we divide both sides by z. The left hand side (LHS) becomes x/z. On the right hand side (RHS), we have yz/z. Obviously, the z in the numerator cancels with that in the denominator, i.e., z/z is 1. So, we get y=x/z.

Use the same approach to make z the subject in Q1.

For Q2, v=d/t, we multiply both sides by t.
vt=d*t/t  ...again, t/t is 1 on the RHS, so we have d=vt.

I'll leave you to do the rest okay?