Answer:
[tex]a = 1/2[/tex]
Step-by-step explanation:
Step 1: Distribute
[tex]3 + 0.5(4a + 8) = 9 - 2a[/tex]
[tex]3 + (0.5 * 4a) + (0.5 * 8) = 9 - 2a[/tex]
[tex]3 + 2a + 4 = 9 - 2a[/tex]
Step 2: Combine like terms
[tex](3 + 4) + 2a = 9 - 2a[/tex]
[tex]7 + 2a = 9 - 2a[/tex]
Step 3: Subtract 7 from both sides
[tex]7 + 2a - 7 = 9 - 2a - 7[/tex]
[tex]2a = 2 - 2a[/tex]
Step 4: Add 2a to both sides
[tex]2a + 2a = 2 - 2a + 2a[/tex]
[tex]4a = 2[/tex]
Step 5: Divide both sides by 4
[tex]4a / 4 = 2 / 4[/tex]
[tex]a = 1/2[/tex]
Answer: [tex]a = 1/2[/tex]