How do you solve #2( 3a - 7) = 12#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-01-31T01:17:46

See the entire solution process below:

First, multiple each term in the parenthesis by #2# to expand the terms:

#(2 xx 3a) - (2 xx 7) = 12#

#6a - 14 = 12#

Next, add #color(red)(14)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #a# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#6a - 14 + color(red)(14) = 12 + color(red)(14)#

#6a - 0 = 26#

#6a = 26#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(6)# to solve for #a# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(6a)/color(red)(6) = 26/color(red)(6)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(6)))a)/cancel(color(red)(6)) = (2 xx 13)/(2 xx 3)#

#a = (cancel(2) xx 13)/(cancel(2) xx 3)#

#a = 13/3#