How do you solve 3a+13=9a-83a+13=9a8?

1 Answer
Dec 21, 2016

a = 7/2a=72

Explanation:

First, isolate the aa terms on one side of the equation and the constants on the other side of the equation while keeping the equation balanced:

3a + 13 - color(red)(3a + 8) = 9a - 8 - color(red)(3a + 8)3a+133a+8=9a83a+8

3a - 3a + 13 + 8 = 9a - 3a - 8 + 83a3a+13+8=9a3a8+8

0 + 13 + 8 = 9a - 3a - 00+13+8=9a3a0

13 + 8 = 9a - 3a13+8=9a3a

Next, we can combine like terms:

21 = (9 - 3)a21=(93)a

21 = 6a21=6a

Now, solve for aa while keeping the equation balanced:

21/color(red)(6) = (6a)/color(red)(6)216=6a6

(3 xx 7)/(3 xx 2) = (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(6)))a)/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(6)))

3/3 xx 7/2 = a

1 xx 7/2 = a

7/2 = a