A simple math equation?

Question

5a+4(3a-8)=4+13a

first of all, there are TWO numbers in front of the

parentheses so thats freaking me out.

please solve and show step by step.

you don't have to explain just solve.

Update:

im trying to find a= ___

Answer 1

Favorite Answer

5a+4(3a-8)=4+13a

When dealing with such a problem first get rid of the parenthesis..... ONLY the number directly in front of the parethesis with out any + or - signs with be distributed.. anotherwords... distribute the 4 over (3a-8) by multiplying the 4 by each term inside....

4(3a) + 4(-8) = 12a -32

We are left with......

5a+ 12a -32 =4+13a

Next combine like terms ON THE SAME SIDE.... 5a and 12a are ON THE SAME SIDE and combined give you 17a....

17a -32 = 4 + 13a

The next step you take is a matter of your choice... there are FOUR different steps you can take... but once you take the first step you are locked in to how you finish the problem.....

The easiest thing to do is to get the "a" term on one side of the equation.... 17a is on the left side and 13a on the right side.... I find its easiest to SUBTRACT the SMALLER of the two from both sides.... 13a......

17a -32 = 4 + 13a

-13a -13a

----------------------------

4a - 32 = 4

Now that the a term is ONLY on the left side ISOLATE that term.... -32 is on the same side... get rid of it by doing the opposite operation... 32 is being subtracted... undo it by adding 32 to both sides.....

4a - 32 = 4

+32 +32

--------------------

4a = 36

Get a BY ITSELF by DIVIDING by the 4 on both sides...

4a = 36

---- ----

4 4

a = 9

So your final answer is a=9

Source(s): Math teacher

Answer 2

Don't worry about two numbers in front of the parentheses unless there are more parentheses showing grouping.

Right now you just have to distribute the 4 to the (3a-8), then add that to 5a.

So going through the steps:

5a+ 4(3a-8)=4+13a

5a+12a-32=4+13a (distribution)

17a-32=4+13a (adding like terms on each side)

17a-13a=4+32 (get the similar terms on the same sides)

4a= 36 (add similar terms)

a=9 (division)

and voila ^_^

Answer 3

Hi this is the answer:

 5a+4(3a-8)=4+13a

 5a+12a-32=4+13a

 5a+12a-13a=4+32

 4a=36

 a=36/4

 a=9

Therefore the value of a is 9

Answer 4

1. Multiply the Parenthesis by the outside number

4 x 3a = 12 a

4 x -8 = -32

5a + 12a - 32 = 4 + 13a

2. Add like terms (the a's)

17a - 32 = 4 + 13a

3. Move the 32 to the other side

17a - 32 + 32 = 4 +13a +32

= 17a = 36a +13a

4. Move 13a to the other side

17a - 13a = 36 +13 a - 13a

= 4a = 36

5. Get a by itself by dividing each side by 4

4/4a = 36/4

= a = 9

There ya go~

Answer 5

First: eliminate parenthesis - distribute the outer term with the terms in parenthesis.

5a+4(3a)+4(- 8) = 4+13a

5a+12a+(-32) = 4+13a

17a - 32 = 4+13a

Sec: combine "like" terms - subtract 13a from both sides (when you move a term to the opposite side, always use the opposite sign).

17a-13a - 32 = 4+13a-13a

17a-13a - 32 = 4

4a - 32 = 4

*Add 32 to both sides.

4a - 32+32 = 4+32

4a = 36

Third: solve for "a" - divide both sides by 4.

4a/4 = 36/4

a = 9

Source(s): *Tutoring 5 yrs*

Answer 6

5a + 4 (3a - 8) = 4 + 13a

1. Distribute the +4.

5a + 12a - 32 = 4 + 13a

2. Combine like terms.

17a - 32 = 4 + 13a.

3. Get variables to one side.

Subtract 13a from each side.

4a - 32 = 4

Add 32 to each side.

4a = 36.

Divide each side by 4.

a = 9.

Source(s): whoa there googooslide2000....you do distribute the + or - sign. If you had 5a - 4 (3a - 8), you would end up with 5a - 12a +32

Answer 7

first multiply the 4 out,so you get: 5a +12a -32=4+13a

then add the like terms: 17a-32=4+13a

then subtract 13a from both sides: 4a-32=4

then add 32 to both sides: 4a=36

then divide both sides by 4: a=9

Answer 8

5a+4(3a-8)=4+13a

5a+12a-32= 4 +13a

17a-32= 4+13a

4a-32=4

4a= 36

a=9

Answer 9

5a+12a-32=4+13a

17a-32=4+13a

now subtract 13a from each side

17a-32-13a=4+13a-13a

4a-32=4

add 32 to each side

4a-32+32=4+32

4a=36

divid by 4

4a/4=36/4

a=9

any questions let me know glad to help

Answer 10

a=9