Question

How do I solve this equation to find the solution?

Answer 1

STEP - BY - STEP EXPLANATION

What to find?

Determine if the student is correct with the solution -2.

Given:

To solve, we will follow the steps below:

Step 1

Determine the LCM.

The LCM in this case is a² - 4 which is the same as (a+2)(a-2).

Step 2

Multiply through by (a+2)(a-2)

`3(a-2)-6a=1(a+2)`

Step 3

Open the parenthesis.

`3a-6-6a=a+2`

Step 4

Collect like term.

`3a-6a-a=2+6`

Step 5

Simplify.

`-4a=8`

Step 6

Divide both-side of the equation by -4

`-(4a)/(-4)=(8)/(-4)`
`a=-2`

ANSWER

The solution is -2 . Hence the student is correct.