Question

Suppose x = 5 is a solution to the equation 4x − 3(x + a) = 2. Find the value of a that makes the equation true.

a. -25

b. 2

c. 3

d. 1

Answer 1

`a = 1`

Explanation:

Given

`4x - 3(x + a) = 2`

`x = 5`

Required

Determine the value of a

`4x - 3(x + a) = 2`

Substitute 5 for x

`4(5) - 3(5 + a) = 2`

Open all brackets

`20 - 15 - 3a = 2`

`5 - 3a = 2`

Collect Like Terms

`-3a = 2 - 5`

`-3a = -3`

Solve for a

`a = -3/-3`

`a = 1`