How do you solve #-3( a - 4) = 39#?

1 Answer
Oct 28, 2016

#a = -9#

Explanation:

To solve this problem first multiply to remove the parenthesis:

#-3a + 12 = 39#

Then perform the following operations to keep the equation balanced and to solve for #a#:

#-3a + 12 - 12 = 39 - 12#

#-3a = 27#

#-3a*(1/3) = 27/3#

#-a = 9#

#-a*-1 = 9*-1#

#a = -9#