the question is ' 5 (6 - a) - 8a = 4 '

[jman154]

the question is "5(6-a)-8a=4" i know how to do it till when it gets to dividing to get the variable alone
PLZ HELP ME ASAP

 

[arthur ohlsten]

Re: Sorry if this isnt pre-algebra.

5[6-a] - 8a =4
clear brackets
5*6 -5a -8a =4
30 - 5a - 8a = 4
combine likes
30 -13a =4
add 13a to each side of = sign
30 =4 +13a
subtract 4 from each side
26=13a
but most people like to know what 1a is, not what 13a is
divide both sides of = sign by 13
2=a answer

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proof
5[6-a] - 8a =?4 if a=2
let a=2
5 [6-2]-8[2]=?4
5[4]-16=?4
20-16=?4
4=?4 yes

Arthur

 

[stapel]

i know how to do it till when it gets to dividing to get the variable alone

In future (since most tutors won't complete the assignment for you), please show what you have done (the part you "know how to do"). When we can see what you're doing, we're in a much better position to identify the difficulty and get you "over the hump"! :wink:

Eliz.