Question

How does one solve a " literal equation"
Ex: Solve S = 4v2 for v

Answer 1

by using properties of algebra

Answer 2

the idea is to get the "v" all alone; so start undoing the stuff that is stuck to it

Answer 3

first, divide both sides by 4. you get:\[\frac{S}{4} = v^2\]Now take the square root of both sides, and you get:\[\pm \frac{\sqrt{S}}{2}=v\]

Answer 4

Here is a 2 minute video showing an example
http://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/solving-linear-equations/v/rearrange-formulas-to-isolate-specific-variables