Question

How do you solve `1/4 + 2/(a+3) = 3/8`?

Answer 1

`a=13`

Explanation:

Working through algebraically,
Step 1) Subtract `1/4` from both sides
so:

`2/(a+3)=3/8-1/4`

Then simplifying as we go, this gives us `2/(a+3)=1/8`

Step 2) Multiply through by `a + 3`

so:
`2 = 1/8(a+3)`

Expanding and simplifying gives `2 = 1/8a + 3/8`

Step 3) Subtract `3/8` from each side

Simplifying gives `13/8 = 1/8a`

Step 4) divide both sides by `1/8` or multiply both sides by `8/1`,

Simplifying gives us a final answer of `a = 13`