Question

Solve for a. You must write your answer in fully simplified form
-14 = 4a

Answer 1

-14=4a

`(-14)/(4)`=
`(4a)/(4)`

a=
`(-7)/(2)`

Answer 2

a = -3 1/2

Explanation:

To solve the equation for a, divide each side by 4.

-14 = 4a

-14/4 = 4a/4

-14/4 = a

Simplify the fraction by dividing the top and bottom by 2.

-7/2 =a

This is an improper fraction, so change to a mixed number.

2 goes into 7 3 times with 1 left over.

-7/2 = -3 1/2

a = -3 1/2