Solve the literal equation for a

Question

y=x(ab/a-b)

Answer 1

Hi Helen, this is easy!

Solving the literal equation for 'a' means expressing the equation in terms of a.

Let us see the solutions step by step:
a) Multiplying the denominator a-b with y gives : y(a-b) = xab

b)Expanding the parentheses y(a-b) gives ya-yb = xab

c)Since ya and xab have 'a', the equation is now rearranged as:
ya-xab = yb

d)Taking out the 'a' from ya-xab
ya-xab = a(y-xb)

e) a(y-xb) = yb
a = yb/(y-xb)---> final answer