4a - 2 (all divided by) 5 + 1/2 = 3a +7 (all divided by) 2 -1 What is a?

1 Answer
Nov 30, 2017

a = 3

Explanation:

#(4a - 2)/(0.5 + 5)# = #(3a + 7)/(2-1)# (We first want to simplify the bottom)

#(4a -2)/5.5=(3a - 7)/1#

#(4a - 2)/5.5 = (3a - 7)# (Then multiply all sides by 5.5)

#(4a - 2) = 5.5(3a - 7)# (Expand out the brackets)

#4a - 2 = 16.5a - 38.5# (Then subtract 4a from both sides)

#-2 = 12.5a - 38.5# (Add 38.5 to both sides)

#36.5 = 12.5a# (Divide both sides by 12.5)

#3 = a#