Problem 63 - College Algebra Essentials

Question

Solve each formula for the specified variable. Do you recognize the formula? If so, what does it describe? $$T=D+p m \text { for } p$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The formula solved for 'p' is \( p = \frac{T - D}{m}\)

Step 1: Isolate the term with the desired variable

To isolate 'p', we should first remove 'D' from the left hand side of the equation. We do this by subtracting 'D' from both sides of the equation. This will result in a new equation: \(T - D = pm\).

Step 2: Get 'p' by itself

Next, we divide the entire equation by m to get 'p' on its own: \(p = \frac{T - D}{m}\).

Step 3: Interpret the formula we isolated 'p' from

Once we have isolated 'p', we should analyze the original equation. If we recognize it, we can discuss what it describes: the equation might represent a linear relationship between T, D and m, where T could represent a total amount, D a constant, and m and p factors influencing that total amount.