Solving Algebraic Equations
To solve algebraic equations, we must combine like terms and perform inverse operations on both sides of the equal sign to isolate the variable.
- The inverse operation of addition is subtraction, and vice versa.
- The inverse operation of multiplication is division, and vice versa.
Inverse operations help us cancel values out.
Solving the Question
[tex]- 4 a - 2 a = - 18[/tex]
⇒ First, combine like terms:
[tex]- 6a = - 18[/tex]
⇒ a is being multiplied by -6. To isolate a, divide both sides by -6:
[tex]\dfrac{- 6a}{-6} = \dfrac{- 18}{-6}\\\\a=3[/tex]
Answer
a = 3
