Question

Solve for a in the equation a-17=42

Answer 1

Solve for a (this means they want you to get "a" by itself in the equation)

So:

a - 17 = 42 Add 17 on both sides to get "a" by itself

a - 17 + 17 = 42 + 17

a = 59

Answer 2

a = 59

Explanation:

Note the equal sign, what you do to one side, you do to the other. Isolate the variable (a). Add 17 to both sides

a - 17 = 42

a - 17 (+17) = 42 (+17)

a = 42 + 17

Simplify. Combine like terms

a = 42 + 17

a = 59

59 is your answer

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