Now that you have all the a terms on the left, you can start thinking about how to make sure the constant numbers are only on one side of the equation. What move can you make to get rid of the −3 on the left, so that all the constant numbers are on the right, while keeping the equation balanced?

Question

3a − 3
=
−a − 2
+
a
+
a

4a − 3
=
−2

Multiply both sides by 3

Add 3 to both sides

Divide both sides by 3

Subtract 3 from both sides

Answer 1

To ensure that all the constant numbers are only on one side of the equation, you can add 3 to both sides of the equation. This will effectively eliminate the −3 from the left side.

Here's the operation:

1. Starting with the equation: \( 4a - 3 = -2 \)

2. Add 3 to both sides: \( 4a - 3 + 3 = -2 + 3 \)

This simplifies to: \( 4a = 1 \)

Now, all the constant numbers are on the right side of the equation.

So, the correct move is to add 3 to both sides.