Question

How do you solve `-2+ \frac { a } { 4} = - 9`?

Answer 1

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, add `color(red)(2)` to each side of the equation to isolate the `a` term while keeping the equation balanced:

`-2 + a/4 + color(red)(2) = -9 + color(red)(2)`

`-2 + color(red)(2) + a/4 = -7`

`0 + a/4 = -7`

`a/4 = -7`

Now, multiply each side of the equation by `color(red)(4)` to solve for `a` while keeping the equation balanced:

`color(red)(4) xx a/4 = color(red)(4) xx -7`

`cancel(color(red)(4)) xx a/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(4))) = -28`

`a = -28`