3a^2-2a-8=0

Solution for 3a^2-2a-8=0 equation:

Simplifying
3a2 + -2a + -8 = 0

Reorder the terms:
-8 + -2a + 3a2 = 0

Solving
-8 + -2a + 3a2 = 0

Solving for variable 'a'.

Factor a trinomial.
(-4 + -3a)(2 + -1a) = 0

Subproblem 1
Set the factor '(-4 + -3a)' equal to zero and attempt to solve:

Simplifying
-4 + -3a = 0

Solving
-4 + -3a = 0

Move all terms containing a to the left, all other terms to the right.

Add '4' to each side of the equation.
-4 + 4 + -3a = 0 + 4

Combine like terms: -4 + 4 = 0
0 + -3a = 0 + 4
-3a = 0 + 4

Combine like terms: 0 + 4 = 4
-3a = 4

Divide each side by '-3'.
a = -1.333333333

Simplifying
a = -1.333333333
Subproblem 2
Set the factor '(2 + -1a)' equal to zero and attempt to solve:

Simplifying
2 + -1a = 0

Solving
2 + -1a = 0

Move all terms containing a to the left, all other terms to the right.

Add '-2' to each side of the equation.
2 + -2 + -1a = 0 + -2

Combine like terms: 2 + -2 = 0
0 + -1a = 0 + -2
-1a = 0 + -2

Combine like terms: 0 + -2 = -2
-1a = -2

Divide each side by '-1'.
a = 2

Simplifying
a = 2
Solution
a = {-1.333333333, 2}