Problem

Solve for P A-P=Prt

The given problem is a basic algebraic equation where P represents the principal amount of money, r represents the rate of interest per time period, and t represents time. The equation A - P = Prt is typically used to calculate the interest earned over a given period of time when the total amount A at the end includes both the principal and the interest. The goal of the problem is to isolate and solve for the variable P (the principal amount) by manipulating the equation algebraically.

AP=Prt

Answer

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Solution:

Step 1:

Eliminate Prt from both sides of the equation to get APPrt=0.

Step 2:

Move A to the right side, resulting in PPrt=A.

Step 3:

Extract the common factor P from the terms on the left side.

Step 3.1:

Take P out of P, yielding P(1)Prt=A.

Step 3.2:

Continue factoring P from Prt, which gives P(1)+P(rt)=A.

Step 3.3:

Combine the factored terms to form P(1rt)=A.

Step 4:

Simplify the term 1r to r, resulting in P(1rt)=A.

Step 5:

Divide the equation by 1rt to isolate P.

Step 5.1:

Perform the division, P(1rt)1rt=A1rt.

Step 5.2:

Simplify the left side by canceling out the common factors.

Step 5.2.1:

Cancel the 1rt term to get P(1rt)(1rt)=A1rt.

Step 5.2.1.1:

After canceling, you're left with P=A1rt.

Step 5.3:

Simplify the right side of the equation.

Step 5.3.1:

Bring the negative sign to the front, giving P=A1rt.

Step 5.3.2:

Rewrite 1 as its equivalent, 1(1), to get P=A1(1)rt.

Step 5.3.3:

Factor out 1 from rt, resulting in P=A1(1)(rt).

Step 5.3.4:

Factor 1 from the entire denominator to obtain P=A1(1+rt).

Step 5.3.5:

Finally, simplify the expression.

Step 5.3.5.1:

Move the negative sign in front, yielding P=A1+rt.

Step 5.3.5.2:

Multiply 1 by 1 to get P=1A1+rt.

Step 5.3.5.3:

Multiply the fraction by 1, resulting in P=A1+rt.

Knowledge Notes:

The problem involves solving a linear equation in one variable, where the variable P is multiplied by a combination of constants and another variable. The steps include:

  1. Isolating the variable: The first step in solving for P is to isolate it on one side of the equation. This involves moving terms that do not contain P to the other side.

  2. Factoring: Factoring is a process where you take out a common factor from terms. In this case, P is the common factor that is factored out to simplify the equation.

  3. Simplification: After factoring, the equation is simplified by canceling out common terms or by combining like terms.

  4. Division: To isolate P, the equation is divided by the coefficient of P (which, after factoring, is a binomial expression).

  5. Negative signs and simplification: Careful attention is given to the negative signs during simplification, especially when they appear in the denominator of a fraction. Factoring out a negative sign can often simplify the expression and make it easier to understand.

  6. Final expression: The final step is to express P in its simplest form, which involves ensuring that all negative signs are correctly placed and that the expression is as straightforward as possible.

This problem is a common type of algebraic manipulation that requires knowledge of basic algebraic operations, including distributing, factoring, and simplifying expressions.

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