How do you solve for a in # -8a-4x=47#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-01-25T14:54:13

See the entire solution process below:

First, add #color(red)(4x)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #a# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#-8a - 4x + color(red)(4x) = 47 + color(red)(4x)#

#-8a - 0 = 47 + color(red)(4x)#

#-8a = 4x + 47#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(-8)# to solve for #a# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(-8a)/color(red)(-8) = (4x + 47)/color(red)(-8)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-8)))a)/cancel(color(red)(-8)) = (4x)/color(red)(-8) + (47)/color(red)(-8)#

#a = -1/2x - 47/8#