Solve: 2(a+3) = 10+4(a-8)

Answer

a = 14

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Step-by-Step Breakdown

  1. Expand and simplify the left-hand side: 2(a+3) = 2a + 6
  2. Expand and simplify the right-hand side: 10+4(a-8) = 4a - 22
  3. Move every term to one side so the equation reads "...= 0": -2a + 28 = 0
  4. This is a linear equation of the form aa+b=0, with a=-2 and b=28.
  5. Solve for a: a = -b/a = -(28)/-2 = 14

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 2(a+3) = 10+4(a-8)?

a = 14.

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