How do you solve for b in #a = 2b#?

1 Answer
Alan P.
Jun 28, 2015

#b = 1/2a#

Explanation:

As long as you perform the same arithmetic operation on both sides of an equation (exception: other than attempting to divide by zero) the equation remains valid.

If #a = 2b#
then we can divide both sides by 2
#color(white)("XXXX")##a/2 = (cancel(2)b)/(cancel(2))#
#a/2# can be written #1/2a# (personal preference allowed)
#color(white)("XXXX")##1/2a = b#

Or, since an equality is reflexive:
#color(white)("XXXX")##b = 1/2 a#

Related questions
See all questions in Problem-Solving Models
Impact of this question
6246 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License