Trying to reverse structure a calculation to arrive at original variable

In summary, the conversation is about trying to reverse-calculate an equation to find one of the original variables when it is not present. The equation involves a positive number A being multiplied by 1.75% and then added to A to get the result B. The goal is to rearrange the equation to solve for A, with the multiplier and the value of B already known. The solution is to divide B by 1.0175 to get the value of A.
  • #1
lsargent
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Trying to reverse-calculate an equation to achieve one of the original variables when not present.

1) You have a number... A (which is always a positive number)

2) A is multiplied by 1.75%

3) This result is then added to A, and the resulting sum being B, i.e. (A x 0.0175) + A = B

In my scenario, the 0.0175 multiplier is known and is constant. Also, value B is known. I'm struggling to reverse structure this equation to arrive at A.

Any help/insight would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
What you have after combining like terms is:

\(\displaystyle 1.0175A=B\)

And so dividing both sides by 1.0175, you obtain:

\(\displaystyle A=\frac{B}{1.0175}=\frac{400}{407}B\)
 
  • #3
Thank you!
 

FAQ: Trying to reverse structure a calculation to arrive at original variable

How do you reverse structure a calculation to arrive at the original variable?

To reverse structure a calculation, you need to use the inverse operation of the original calculation. For example, if the original calculation was addition, you would use subtraction to reverse structure it. Essentially, you are working backwards through the steps of the original calculation.

Why would you want to reverse structure a calculation?

Reversing structure a calculation can be useful in solving equations or problems where the original variable is unknown. It allows you to work backwards and find the value of the original variable.

Is it always possible to reverse structure a calculation?

No, it is not always possible to reverse structure a calculation. Some calculations are irreversible, meaning that the original variable cannot be determined from the result. This is often the case with complex or nonlinear equations.

Can you provide an example of reversing structure a calculation?

Sure, let's say the original calculation was 2x + 5 = 15. To reverse structure this, we would use the inverse operation of addition, which is subtraction. So, we would subtract 5 from both sides to get 2x = 10. Then, we would use the inverse operation of multiplication, which is division, and divide both sides by 2 to get x = 5. Therefore, the original variable was 5.

Are there any tips for successfully reversing structure a calculation?

One tip is to always keep track of the operations and steps you are taking to reverse structure the calculation. It can also be helpful to work backwards in your mind and think about what the original operation or variable may have been. Practice with different types of calculations can also improve your ability to successfully reverse structure a calculation.

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