Algebra : How to solve a Literal equation

Equations where the known quantities are expressed as letters are called literal equations. Formulas are literal equations. Generally, the last letter of the alphabet are used to represent the unknown quantities, and the first letters, the known quantities.

Examples:

Solve for the unknown and check

1. 3x + 2a = 2x+5a     transposing
    3x - 2x = 5a - 2a      combining like terms
           x = 3a  


check
3.3a + 2a = 2.3a + 5a
9a + 2a = 6a + 5a
11a = 11a


2. 8z + 6m = 5z + 9m
    8z - 5z = 9m - 6m        transposing
    3z = 3m                   combining like terms
    z = m                       axiom of division

check
   8.m + 6m = 5.m + 9.m
   8m + 6m= 5m + 9m
   14m = 14m