How do you solve #3a ^ { 2} - 48= 0#?

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Answer 1 · 2016-12-02T20:43:11

#a = +-4#

First, isolate the #a# term on one side of the equation:

#3a^2 - 48 + 48 = 0 + 48#

#3a^2 = 48#

Now solve for #a#. Remember when solving for a square the answer can be + or - the solution:

#(3a^2)/3 = 48/3#

#a^2 = 16#

#sqrt(a^2) = +-sqrt(16)#

#a = +-4#