Two equivalent expressions are shown in the equation where a and b are both integers.

a(7x + 3) = b + 14x

What are the values of a and b?

The value of a is _____

The value of b is _____

2 answers

7 x a + 3 a = b +14 x
well 7 x a = 14 x
so a = 2
then if a = 2
3 * 2 = b
b = 6
there is one equation and three unknowns

the number of unique equations must equal the number of unknowns
... in order to solve for all the unknowns