How do you solve #9a - 8= 73#?

2 Answers
Apr 6, 2018

#a=9#

Explanation:

We just need to solve the equation for #a#

#9a-8=73#

Add 8 to both sides:

#9a-8+8=73+8#

#9a=81#

Divide both sides by 9:

#(9a)/9=81/9#

#a=9#

Apr 6, 2018

Solution: #a = 9#

Explanation:

Equations should be viewed as logical statements. The equation you give is literally saying that the value of #9a - 8# is exactly equal to the value of #73#.

From this, it follows that we are allowed to make certain manipulations. For example, we can add numbers to both sides of the equation. Doing such yields:

#9a - 8 = 73#,
#9a - 8 (+ 8) = 73 (+ 8)#, (we add #8# to both sides)
#9a = 81#.

We can also divide both sides of the equation by some number, as long as it's the same number. We will divide by #9#.

#9a = 81#,
#(9a)/9 = 81/9#, (we divide both sides by #9#)
#a = 9#.

So our answer is #a = 9#.