F S U /  UF  Algebra Problem

(Solving a Literal Equation)

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje

Seminole State College of Florida

Sanford, FL  32773

PROBLEM:    Given       ,    solve for S.

Solution:

First, find the LCD, which is FSU (to all the Florida Gator and Miami Hurricane fans, GO FLORIDA STATE! )                         

In the first position, the F divides out, leaving SU. 

In the second position the S divides out, leaving UF.

In the third position, the U divides out, leaving FS.

Now, in order to solve for S, you have to get all the S terms on one side of the equation.  You can do that by subtracting FS from each side of the equation.

Now, to solve for S, you have to factor out the S on the left side of the equation:

and divide both sides by :  

IMPORTANT NOTE:  This problem is very much like my own career, in that I started (and graduated!) at FSU and then ended up (and graduated also!) at UF—except that I did NOT change colors!!

Return to main page        Math in Living C O L O R !!

     Return to Basic Algebra page     Return to Intermediate Algebra page  

 Return to College Algebra page