solving literal equations

Intro

The key to solving this problem is to isolate the variable on one side and then solve.

Sample Problem

Solution

step 1: multiply both sides by N+F

(N+F) R = F/N +F * N+F

step 2: Subtract RF from both sides

RN + RF = F
– RF -RF
______________________

step 3: Key step** factor out the variable

RN = F – RF

RN = (1 – R)F

step 4: isolate and solve for the variable by dividing by (1-R) on both sides

FINAL ANSWER

RN /(1-R) = F