Question

Solve the following equation:
5.3a - 7.9 = 2.6a + 2.9

Answer 1

a = 4

Explanation:

To solve this equation you need to isolate a to one side of the equation. To rearrange the equation you must subtract or add each term to both sides. For example we will add 7.9 to both sides to begin isolating a. You should also add like terms when it is possible.

5.3a - 7.9 = 2.6a + 2.9

+7.9 +7.9

5.3a=2.6a +2.9 +7.9=

5.3a=2.6a +10.8

Next, you should subtract 2.6a from both sides, and add/ subtract like terms.

5.3a=2.6a +10.8

-2.6a -2.6a

5.3a-2.6a = 10.8

2.7a = 10.8

Last, you should divide both sides by 2.7, and solve for a.

2.7a = 10.8

/2.7 2.7

a = 10.8/ 2.7

a = 4

Answer 2

Start by combining like terms.


Subtract 2.6a from both sides
5.3a - 2.6a -7.9 = 2.6a - 2.6a + 2.9
2.7a - 7.9 = 2.9

Then, add 7.9 to both sides of the equation to later figure out “a”
2.7a - 7.9 + 7.9 = 2.9 + 7.9
2.7a = 10.8

Finally, divide by 2.7 to both sides to isolate “a”
a = 10.8/2.7
a = 4