How do you solve #2(3a+2)=-8# using the distributive property?

1 Answer
Aug 31, 2016

The final answer will be #a=-2#

Explanation:

First off, what you want to do is use your distributive property to simplify the parentheses.

Take the 2 from the outside, and multiply it times the #3a# to get #6a# because #3*2=6#.

Then separately multiply that same 2 on the outside times the #+2# on the inside: #2*(+2)= 4#.

So then your simplified equation will read #6a+4=-8#.

After this, you have to still get the #6a# by itself, so you subtract #4# from both sides of the equation.

#4-4=0# on the left side, so that 4 disappears. You also have to subtract 4 from the other side too. #-8 - (4)= -12#.

Then you have #6a=-12#. Divide both sides by #6# to get #a=-2#. There is your final answer using distributive property.