Question

How do you solve `4( a - 1) = 7a + 2`?

Answer 1

`a=-2`

Explanation:

To get to those follow these steps:

1. Expand the brackets, so `4(a-1)` becomes `4a-4`
2. Rearrange so you have the variables on the same side `-> -4 -2 = 7a-4a` (change signs when moving across the equals sign)
3. Simplify `-> -6 = 3a`
4. Divide both sides by `3` so `a` is by itself `-> -6/3=a`
5. `-6/3 = -2`, therefore, `a` must equal `-2`

Answer 2

a = -2

Explanation:

`4(a-1) = 7a + 2`

On the left hand side, multiply each term inside the brackets by 4

`4a - 4 = 7a + 2`

Subtract 2 from both sides

`4a - 6 = 7a`

Subtract 4a from both sides

`-6 = 7a - 4a`
`-6 = 3a`

Divide both sides by 3

`-2 = a`
`a = -2`