Isolating Variables

B

Bill1

New member
Joined
Nov 21, 2012
Messages
1
I'm not sure if this question belongs in this section, but yea.

So my question is how to isolate a variable when it's a fraction:

Isolate A:
1/A = 1/B + 1/C

By isolating I mean making the equation like A = ...

I tried many times, but I always get stuck with A on both sides of the equation.

- Thanks
 
Multiply both sides by A (don't distribute the A, on the right-hand side, when multiplying; leave the right-hand side in factored form)

Divide both sides by (1/B+1/C)

That solves for A

Simplify the result by combining (1/B+1/C) into a single ratio and taking its reciprocal

Specific questions? Work to show? :cool:
 
Bill1 said:
I'm not sure if this question belongs in this section, but yea.

So my question is how to isolate a variable when it's a fraction:

Isolate A:
1/A = 1/B + 1/C

Multiply both sides by the LCM of the denominators (A*B*C)

(A*B*C)*(1/A) = (A*B*C)*(1/B + 1/C)

B*C = A*C + A*B

B*C = A*(B + C)

Now continue......

By isolating I mean making the equation like A = ...

I tried many times, but I always get stuck with A on both sides of the equation.

- Thanks
Click to expand...
.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top