How do you solve for a in # sa=2ab+2ac+2bc #?

1 Answer
Feb 26, 2016

#a=(2bc)/(s-2b-2c)#

Explanation:

First, get all the terms with #a# onto the same side of the equation.

Here, I'll subtract #2ab# and #2ac# from both sides of the equation so that all the terms with #a# are on the left-hand side.

#sa-2ab-2ac=2bc#

Factor #a# from every time on the right hand side.

#a(s-2b-2c)=2bc#

Divide both sides by #s-2b-2c#.

#a=(2bc)/(s-2b-2c)#

This is as simplified as possible. Resist the urge to try to break apart the denominator--that's not allowed.