Question

Solve the literal equation |ax+b| = c for a

Answer 1

Since we're dealing with absolute value we'll have two answers.

a= c/x-b/x

a= -c/x-b/x

Explanation:

Since we can't combine any values inside the absolute value signs we get rid of the absolute value signs.

Now we have: ax+b=c

since we're trying to get a by itself, we subtract the b to get ax= c-b

Now we divide the x and since we can't directly put it with a single value on the right side, we have to put it with both the c and b. Now we have a=c/x-b/x.

For the second answer, you first put a negative with the c. ax+b= -c

Now you solve exactly the same way you did above.

Hope this helps! :)