Solve: -11a = 15-6a
Answer
a = -3
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Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Expand and simplify the left-hand side: -11a = -11a
- Expand and simplify the right-hand side: 15-6a = -6a + 15
- Move every term to one side so the equation reads "...= 0": -5a - 15 = 0
- This is a linear equation of the form aa+b=0, with a=-5 and b=-15.
- Solve for a: a = -b/a = -(-15)/-5 = -3
Theory & Definitions
A linear equation in one unknown can always be rearranged into the form aa+b=0 (a≠0), which has exactly one solution: a = -b/a.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the solution to -11a = 15-6a?
a = -3.