Question

How would I solve this? 4a-6=-2+14

Answer 1

Solving these equations can prove to be tricky, but once you understand them, ridiculously easy! Remember: your goal is to reduce it to (variable=number). Make sure to use opposite operations to cancel out numbers, and don't forget what you do to one side you must do to the next. There isn't one true order, but you'll know you have a great understanding of what you're doing if you can solve it numerous different times and wind up with the same result!

Set up the equation!

$4a-6=-2+14$

Let's try subtracting 14 from both sides! We must do the opposite operation to cancel it out.

$14-14=0\\-6-14= -20$

Now we have

$4a-20=-2$

We have to start on the left side now, because we can't have an equation with one blank side. The number you start with will end up getting canceled out, as 0. How about we add 20 to both sides?

$-20+20=0\\-2+20=18$

Now we have

$4a=18$

Next, we have to apply the opposite opperation to both sides. The only opperation left is multiplication (4a). Therefore, we need to divide by 4, because we have to isolate a.

$4a/4=a\\18/4=4.5$

Now we have

$a=4.5$

Your answer is a=4.5!

Remember: Combine like terms first, it's much easier!

Please let me know if this helped or if you have questions, and if you can, I'd be so grateful to receive a rating! Two-sided equations took me a long time, so I want to help you understand!