Question

The following equation is an example of a literal equation:

2(x+a)=4b

A. Solve the given equation for the variable a. In your final answer, include all of your work.

B. In two or more complete sentences, explain the specific process that you followed in solving for a.

Answer 1

A. Solve for a (showing all work):

2(x + a) = 4b
Divide both sides by 2:
x + a = 2b
Subtract x from both sides:
a = 2b − x

B. Explanation (two or more complete sentences):

I used inverse operations to isolate a while keeping the equation balanced. First I undid the multiplication by 2 by dividing both sides by 2, and then I removed x from the left side by subtracting x from both sides, leaving a by itself.