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Rearranging Formulas and Literal Equations

SAT MathAlgebraMedium

Treat the requested variable as the unknown and preserve grouped quantities.

What you need to know

  • Literal equations use the same inverse-operation rules as numerical equations.
  • Clear denominators early when it reduces clutter.
  • Factor the target variable if it appears in multiple terms.
  • Parentheses protect a numerator created by moving terms.

The AYLOTI method

  1. Identify every occurrence of the target variable.
  2. Move non-target terms away.
  3. Factor the target variable if needed.
  4. Divide by its complete coefficient.

AYLOTI • Sir Hunain Zia • SAT Score 1594/1600 • 154 Total A Grades (Personal), 11 World Records, 7 Distinctions

Worked example

Solve A = P + Prt for r.

  1. Subtract P: A − P = Prt.
  2. The coefficient of r is Pt.
  3. Divide: r = (A − P)/(Pt).

Answer: r = (A − P)/(Pt).

Common SAT traps

  • Dividing only one term of a numerator.
  • Losing a factor when the variable appears twice.
  • Using a memorized form without checking the requested subject.
Quick check

Solve y = mx + b for x.

x = (y − b)/m, for m ≠ 0.

Before you move on

  • Explain the core rule without looking back.
  • Redo the worked example using your own steps.
  • Write the trap you are most likely to fall for.
Hunain Zia

Hunain Zia has previously achieved considerable success in the high-school educational stream, gaining a massive 154 Total A Grades and 7 Major Distinctions, a process in which he broke/ set 11 different world records, including the most A grades ever achieved, most subjects ever appeared in, most distinctions, gaining distinctions across two separate boards (Pearson Edexcel and CAIE) within the same year/ ever, and even 19 hours of constant examination. All records stand intact today. Hunain pursued his Honors Accounting Degree from the prestigious Bentley University, and then completed an LLB (in Honors) from University of London. Currently, he manages multiple social and commercial projects, has founded digital streams and works tirelessly in the education sector.

Educate A Change focuses on truly bringing change in the educational sector worldwide. All our courses are designed to ensure success, and provide complete preparation without requiring any other external material. Therefore, it takes away the expense of academies, books, past paper compilations and other miscellaneous items. Instead, by just the courses we offer, the student can prepare fully for the best grades in their CAIEs, Edexcel and other high-school exams. The earnings from our course-sales are invested in social projects and growing the free educational activities of Educate A Change.