 |
| ||
| |||
|
| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
|
Question from Rebecca: -2 (a + 4) = 18 |
Hi Rebecca,
I see two methods to solve for $a.$
- First method:
- Divide both sides by -2 to get
\[a + 4 = \frac{18}{-2} = -9.\]
Finally add -4 to each side. - Second method:
- Use the distributive law to write $-2(a + 4)$ as $-2a - 8.$ and hence the equation becomes $-2a - 8 = 18.$
I hope this helps,
Penny
| ||
| ||
| ||
 |
 |
|
|
||
 |
||
| * Registered trade mark of Imperial Oil Limited. Used under license. | |
|
Math Central is supported by the University of Regina and the Imperial Oil Foundation.