Steply

Solve A = bh for b

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Literal equations · Algebra 1

Step by step

The question

Question: solve for b in A = bh.

We treat the other letters like numbers.

A = bh

1 b on the left

b is on the right.

We swap the two sides, so b is on the left.

They are still equal.

bh = A

2 Remove the h

hb means h times b.

We want just b.

To remove times h, we divide by h.

We do it on both sides.

hbh = Ah

h divided by h is 1.

So just b is left.

So b = A over h.

b = Ah

3 Check

Let's check with numbers.

We pick A = 4, h = 2.

Our answer gives b = 2.

b = 42 = 2

Now we put all the numbers into the start.

First the left side.

Left: 4

Now the right side.

Right: (2)(2) = 4

Both sides are 4.

So our answer is right!

Both sides equal 4

Let's look back.

First: b on the left.

Then: remove the h.

Last: check.

Answer
b = Ah

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

Solve for h in A = bh
Show the answer
h = Ab

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