Question

Solve:

4 (a+3) = 12+4a

Answer 1

All real numbers

Explanation:

• 4(a + 3) = 12 + 4a

Start by distributing 4 inside the parentheses. This means to multiply everything inside the parentheses by 4.

• 4a + 12= 12 + 4a

Already, you can see that they are exactly the same (if you switch the terms around), but we can continue to make sure.

Subtract 4a from both sides of the equation.

• 12 = 12

This is a TRUE statement, so this means that the equation has infinitely many solutions (real numbers).

Answer 2

a = any real number

Explanation:

4 (a+3) = 12+4a

Distribute

4a+12 = 12 +4a

Subtract 4a from each side

4a+12 = 12 +4a

4a-4a +12 =12+4a-4a

12=12

This is always true so a is any real number