Algebra
LINEAR EQUATIONS
Example 2:
The equation relating the pressure, P, to the force, F, and the area, A, over which
the force is applied is
. Solve this equation for F, in terms of P and A.
P
F
A
Solution:
Step 1.
Axioms 1 and 2 do not help solve the problem, so
go to Step 2.
Step 2.
Using Axiom 3, multiply both sides of the equation
by A.
P(A)
F
A
(A)
F = PA
Step 3.
Check the root.
PA
A
P
The root checks.
The addition or subtraction of the same quantity from both sides of an equation may be
accomplished by transposing a quantity from one side of the equation to the other. Transposing
is a shortened way of applying the addition or subtraction axioms. Any term may be transposed
or transferred from one side of an equation to the other if its sign is changed. Thus, in the
equation 5x + 4 = 7, the 4 can be transposed to the other side of the equation by changing its
sign. The result is 5x = 7 - 4 or 5x = 3. This corresponds to applying the subtraction axiom,
Axiom 2, subtracting 4 from both sides of the equation.
Rev. 0
Page 9
MA-02
