Answer:
a= 4/3
Step-by-step explanation:
1.) Simplify both sides of the given equation:
1/4a + -5/6 = -1/2
2.) Add the 5/6 to both sides (cancels the -5/6)
1/4a + -5/6 (+5/6) = -1/2 (+5/6)
1/4a = 1/3
3.) Multiply both sides by 4 (the denominator)
4 * 1/4a = 1/3 * 4
a = 4/3
To check the solution, plug in 4/3 into a:
4/3/4 - 5/6 = -1/2
2.) Dividing fractions is also multiplication:
(4/3 * 1/4) - 5/6 = -1/2
3.) Get the difference of 1/3 and 5/6
1/3 - 5/6 = -1/2
4.) Simplify -3/6 (3 goes into 3 ONCE and into 6 TWO times)
-3/6 = -1/2
5.) Check to see if both sides match
-1/2 = -1/2