Question

This is kinda complex ngl could any high schoolers help me? this is the problem.

Solve for
a
aa.
Give an exact answer.
3
+
0.5
(
4
a
+
8
)
=
9
−
2
a
3+0.5(4a+8)=9−2a. A= ?

Answer 1

a = 1/2

Explanation:

You want the solution to 3 +0.5(4a +8) = 9 −2a.

Solution

It usually works well to start by simplifying the equation. That is, you eliminate parentheses, combine like terms.

3 +0.5(4a) +0.5(8) = 9 -2a

3 + 2a +4 = 9 -2a

7 +4a = 9 . . . . . . . . . add 2a

4a = 2 . . . . . . . . . subtract 7

a = 0.5 . . . . . . divide by 4

The value of a is 1/2.

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Additional comment

The attached calculator output shows this value of 'a' satisfies the equation.