Question

How do you evaluate `4a - 3a - a + a + 3a = 20`?

Answer 1

`a=5`

Explanation:

`"simplify the left side by collecting like terms"`

`rArr4a=20`

`"divide both sides by 4"`

`(cancel(4) a)/cancel(4)=20/4`

`rArra=5" is the solution"`

Answer 2

`a=5`

Explanation:

`4a-3a-a+a+3a=20`

You have `a` common in every term:

`a(4-3-1+1+3)=20`

Do the operations and you are left with

`4a=20`

`a=20/4`

`a=5`

Answer 3

`a=5`

Explanation:

`4a-3a-a+a+3a=20`

First bring all the positive terms together and negative terms together

`4a+a+3a-3a-a=20`

Now all the terms are like terms, so add them keeping the sign same

`8a-4a=20`

Now subtract the terms

`4a=20`

Now divide the equation by `4` on both sides. We get,

`a=5`

Hope it helped you!