Question

Solve for a: 3a – 5(a – 2) = 34

a = -12

a = 0

a = -22

a = 1

Answer 1

`3a-5(a-2)=34\ \ \ |\text{use distributive property:}\ a(b-c)=ab-ac\\\\3a-5a+10=34\\\\-2a+10=34\ \ \ |-10\\\\-2a=24\ \ \ |:(-2)\\\\a=-12`

Answer: a = -12

Answer 2

3a - 5(a - 2) = 34

Distribute -5 inside the parentheses

3a - 5a + 10 = 34

Combine like terms

-2a + 10 = 34

Subtract 10 from both sides

-2a = 24

Divide both sides by -2

a = -12