How do you solve #1/2(4a-16)=5#?

1 Answer
Jim G.
Feb 1, 2017

#a=13/2#

Explanation:

First distribute the bracket.

#2a-8=5#

add 8 to both sides of the equation.

#2acancel(-8)cancel(+8)=5+8#

#rArr2a=13#

To solve for a, divide both sides by 2

#(cancel(2) a)/cancel(2)=13/2#

#rArra=13/2#

#color(blue)"As a check"#

Substitute this value into the left side of the equation and if this is equal to the right side then it is the solution.

#1/2[(4xx13/2)-16]=1/2(52/2-16)=1/2(26-16)#

#=1/2xx10=5=" right side"#

#rArra=13/2" is the solution"#

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