Question

If one-half the difference of a number a and 7 is -10 what is the value of a? Show work.

Answer 1

Answer: 27

Explanation:

There are multiple ways to do this, but the most efficient is to set up an equation.

Using the keywords write an equation:

Difference means subtraction. Since is asking for half of the difference, divide it by 2 and then set it equal to 10:

(a-7)/2=-10

Multiply both sides by 2

a-7=20

Add 7 to both sides

a=27

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