Literal Equations are formulas that do not contain any numerical value.   Right... like you understood that!  In english that means that literal equations are problems without any numbers in it.  Before you freak out about it, just look at the example.  It's easier than it sounds.
 

problem: solve for t	d=rt
divide by r	d=rt  r    r
the r cancels out on the right side, and goes to the left side.  So write the answer.	dr=t

    So that was not to bad.  In fact, you could probably do it by yourself!  Just like in linear equations, take it slow and go step by step.  You can do it!!
 

    There are three different ways to find points.  Point slope, slope intercept, and standard form.

    say your given two sets of points and are asked to find it's x and y.  what to do???  It's times like this when the point slope form is your lifesaver!  The formulas for point slope is y-y1=m(x-x1).  The m is the slope of the line and the y1 and x1 are the points you are given.   All you do is plug it in!
 

given: (8,5) (11,14)	y-y1=m(x-x1):  y-5=m(x-8)
find the slope	y1-y2=5-14  =3  x1-x2=8-11
m is equal to the slope, so put 3 in the m place.  Now you have point slope form!!	y-5=3(x-8)

    Now you know how to do point slope form.  With this information, you will be able to find the next two ways to find equations for lines.  now we will try slope intercept form.

    The formula for finding slope intercept equations is....y=mx+b.  Because you have the point slope equation, this will be very easy.  Just rearrange the formula!
 

given: the point slope equation	y-5=3(x-8)
distribute (multiply the 3 times the (x-8))	y-5=3x-24
combine like terms	y-5=3x-24    +5       +5
You now have slope intercept form	y=3x-19

 

    now there is only one more thing to do.  put the equation into standard form.  the formula for standard form is... ax+by=c.  It sounds very confusing but don't worry!  You have already done the hardest part.
 

Given: the slope intercept form.	y=3x-19
Put your x and your y on the same side.	y = 3x-19  -3x  -3x
The 3x's cancel out on one side leaving you with standard form.  (Just a little tip, always put your x in front of your y, and don't have a negative x.)	-3x+y=-19   But we don't want a negative x, so...  3x-y=19

    Now you are done! You can do all three equations for a line.  Algebra isn't so hard.  Just remember, always go slow! Visit my school's web page which is  http://www.henry.k12.ga.us/ugh .  Thank you for visiting this page.