Question

How do you solve `20a-14=6a+28`?

Answer 1

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, add `color(red)(14)` and subtract `color(blue)(6a)` from each side of the equation to isolate the `a` term while keeping the equation balanced:

`-color(blue)(6a) + 20a - 14 + color(red)(14) = -color(blue)(6a) + 6a + 28 + color(red)(14)`

`(-color(blue)(6) + 20)a - 0 = 0 + 42`

`14a = 42`

Now, divide each side of the equation by `color(red)(14)` to solve for `a` while keeping the equation balanced:

`(14a)/color(red)(14) = 42/color(red)(14)`

`(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(14)))a)/cancel(color(red)(14)) = 3`

`a = 3`

Answer 2

Transfer all the variables to one side and all the numbers to the other
`20a-6a=14+28`
`14a=42`
`a=cancel42^3/cancel14^1`
`a=3`