Question

Work out the values of a and b in the following identity

Answer 1

Answer:

a = - 2 and b = - 3

Step-by-step explanation:

Distribute the parenthesis on the left side then compare like terms on both sides.

4(3x - 6) - 7(2x + b)

= 12x - 24 - 14x - 7b

= - 2x - 24 - 7b

Compare to right side ax - 3

For the 2 sides to be equal then

- 2x = ax ⇒ a = - 2

and

- 24 - 7b = - 3 ( add 24 to both sides )

- 7b = 21 ( divide both sides by - 7 )

b = - 3