REMEDIAL CLASS TO BETTER UNDERSTANDING

1. Basic formula transformation (additive and multiplicative inverses) The very reason why variables in an equation are transposed is to rearrange them in a way that the value after they are rearranged is equal to the single unknown variable in the formula. Transposing a variable means to eliminate from one side and transfer to the other side of the equal sign but not disturbing the equality of the equation.

x=y+2 x-2=y

Eq. 1 Eq. 1a

If 2 in Eq. 1 is to be transposed, then the resulting equation is Eq. 1a. By short cut, it appears that 2 in Eq. 1 is transposed to the other side of the equation. Since it passes the equal sign, its sign also reverses. The transformation from Eq. 1 to Eq. 1a does change the equality of both sides of the equation.

In mathematical perspective, there is no transposition but there is formula transformation. The process of formula transformation is hooked to the principles: (a) when zero (0) is added to or subtracted from a number, the value of the number does not change; (b) when one (1) is multiplied or divided to any number, it does not affect the value of the number. Thus, the additive inverse and multiplicative inverse are introduced.

The additive inverse is used when the variable, numbers or set of variables and numbers are operated by addition (or subtraction) with the variable of interest. Take the following examples

x=y+2
Solve for y

x-2=y+2-2

x-2=y

Since the variable of interest is y, then 2 must be eliminated from the side of y. Additive inverse of 2 has to be added to both sides of the equation. Thus, the 2 on the side of y now becomes zero. The structure of the equation should not terrify you. Even if it is complex to look at it is still made of two groups (green & blue) simply added Because the variable of interest in found on green, then eliminate blue by making it zero (adding its additive inverse.

3 z x= +( s-t ) ab
Solve for s

3 z x= +( s-t ) ab

3 z 3 z 3 z = +( s-t ) ab ab ab

REDG Friday, July 22, 2011

REMEDIAL CLASS TO BETTER UNDERSTANDING

3 z x +t=s- t +t ab 3 z s= x +t ab
t can be eliminated by adding its additive inverse on both sides of the equation.

REDG Friday, July 22, 2011

REMEDIAL CLASS TO BETTER UNDERSTANDING

The additive inverse is used when the variable, numbers or set of variables and numbers are operated by multiplication (or division) with the variable of interest. Take the following equations as examples:

x=

y 2

y xg = g2 2 2

Solve for y

2x=y

Since the variable of interest is y, then 2 must be eliminated from the side of y. Multiplicative inverse of 2 has to be multiplied to both sides of the equation. Thus, the 2 on the side of y now becomes one (1). The structure of the equation should not terrify you. Even if it is complex to look at it is still made of two groups (green & blue) simply multiplied. Because the variable of interest is found on green, then eliminate blue by making it one. How to eliminate blue? Multiply it by its inverse. t can be eliminated by multiplying by its multiplicative inverse on both sides of the equation.

3 z x= ( st ) ab
Solve for s

3 z x= ( st ) ab

ab 3 z ab xg = ( st ) g ab 3 z 3 z

ab 1 1 xg g =s t g t 3 z t ab xg =s 3t z
Now refer to the Notes for Formula Transformation

REDG Friday, July 22, 2011