How do you solve #-2+ \frac { a } { 4} = - 9#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-01-27T18:22:55

See the entire solution process below:

First, add #color(red)(2)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #a# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#-2 + a/4 + color(red)(2) = -9 + color(red)(2)#

#-2 + color(red)(2) + a/4 = -7#

#0 + a/4 = -7#

#a/4 = -7#

Now, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(4)# to solve for #a# while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(4) xx a/4 = color(red)(4) xx -7#

#cancel(color(red)(4)) xx a/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(4))) = -28#

#a = -28#