Question

5(a+3)=8a
How can I solve this?

Answer 1

Step 1: Simplify both sides of the equation.

5(a+3)=8a

(5)(a)+(5)(3)=8a(Distribute)

5a+15=8a

Step 2: Subtract 8a from both sides.

5a+15−8a=8a−8a

−3a+15=0

Step 3: Subtract 15 from both sides.

−3a+15−15=0−15

−3a=−15

Step 4: Divide both sides by -3.

−3a−3=−15−3

a=5

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

Simplify the left side of the equation using the distributive property.

5(a+3) = 5*a + 5*3 = 5a + 15

Now the equation looks like this: 5a + 15 = 8a

Next we want to put all the variables on the same side.

In this case, the easiest way to do this is subtract 5a from both sides.

5a + 15 - 5a = 8a - 5a

15 = 3a

In order to isolate a, divide both sides by 3

15/3 = 3a/3

5 = a

Answer: a = 5