# Mathematics I (Math 1132)

Durham College, Mathematics
Free
• 42 lessons
• 0 quizzes
• 10 week duration
• ##### Measurements

An introduction to numerical computation. Emphasis is placed on scientific and engineering notation, the rule of significant figures, and converting between SI and Imperial units.

• ##### Fractions, Percentage, Ratios and Proportion

Emphasis here is placed on understanding fractions, percent, and using ratios to compare quantities and set up proportions to solve problems.

• ##### Geometry

This unit focuses on analyzing and understand the characteristics of various shapes, both 2D and 3D.

## Mathematics I (Math 1132)

### Solve Literal Equations

A literal equation is one in which some or all of the constants are represented by letters. Arguably any mathematical formula expressing an actual relationship between its variables is a literal equation. Take the Pythagorean theorem formula as an example.

${a}^{2}+{b}^{2}={c}^{2}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}$

It consists of three variables, a and b are the side lengths while c represents the length of the hypotenuse. It can manipulated in a couple of ways:

$c=\sqrt{{a}^{2}+{b}^{2}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}b=\sqrt{{c}^{2}–{a}^{2}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}a=\sqrt{{c}^{2}–{b}^{2}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}$

When a formula contains numbers as well, such as the area of a circle, A = πr², it’s called a numerical equation – π is an irrational number. Therefore, given that literal equations don’t have numbers, rearranging them should never yield any numbers. Let’s try rearranging a few equations in the following video: