Isolating Variables for Physics Work

[cjp88]

Hello, I'm doing some physics work where I need to isolate the varibles but I've sadly forgotten how to do this. I've never used this in my work for a few years now so I'm stuck on the steps.

If anyone can direct me to a site or let me know the steps for isolating that would be great.

I'm trying to isolate these for example:

x/z = rty (for t)

tyr = x/z

t = xyr/z

(Not even sure if this is right. I put t on the left side, then multiplied both sides by yr to get the answer.)

x = r+yz (for r)

r+yz = x

r = x - yz

(Not even sure if this is right either. I put r on the left side then subtracted yz from both sides to get this answer.)

I somewhat understand how to do it for these two. I usually get the answer after a guess and check but is there a certain order you need to use to get it right?

My main problem is for questions like this:

y = x^2/zr

I have no idea on how to isolate anything with powers.

(No, this is not a homework question. I made the equations up so I can understand the concepts.)

 

[symbolipoint]

cjp88,

simple algebra. the various axioms of numbers that you learn in introductory algebra must become almost automatic. Properties of Equality, inverse operations...

Your first two are correct.

 

[cjp88]

Alright, thanks! I'll check google some more for Properties of Equality and inverse operations.