How do you solve #sqrt(-8-2a)=0#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-03-06T00:45:41

See the entire solution process below:

First, square the expression on each side of the equation:

#(sqrt(-8 - 2a))^2 = 0^2#

#-8 - 2a = 0#

Next, add #color(red)(8)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #a# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(8) - 8 - 2a = color(red)(8) + 0#

#0 - 2a = 8#

#-2a = 8#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(-2)# to solve for #a# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(-2a)/color(red)(-2) = 8/color(red)(-2)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-2)))a)/cancel(color(red)(-2)) = -4#

#a = -4#