Question

How do you solve for a in `sa=2ab+2ac+2bc`?

Answer 1

`a=(2bc)/(s-2b-2c)`

Explanation:

First, get all the terms with `a` onto the same side of the equation.

Here, I'll subtract `2ab` and `2ac` from both sides of the equation so that all the terms with `a` are on the left-hand side.

`sa-2ab-2ac=2bc`

Factor `a` from every time on the right hand side.

`a(s-2b-2c)=2bc`

Divide both sides by `s-2b-2c`.

`a=(2bc)/(s-2b-2c)`

This is as simplified as possible. Resist the urge to try to break apart the denominator--that's not allowed.