Question 9575: P=a+2b+2c solve for a
Answer by thecampusnerd(13)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Remember that whatever you do to one side of an equation, you have to do the same thing to the other side. Got it? Good...Ok, let's get started.
Your equation is P = a + 2b + 2c. I can see how this can be confusing, seeing as solving for something that is not an actual number can throw some people off and makes others freak out. But, trust me, it's no big deal once you get the hang of it. Just think of a as a number, not as a letter.
So, what you'll do first is get rid of whatever is on the same side as the variable your trying to solve for. ALWAYS get rid of whatever's the furthest away from the variable first! The FURTHEST is the FIRST to go. Subtract 2c from 2c and do the same to the P side. --------> P - 2c = a + 2b
Now, do the same with the 2b. --------> P - 2c - 2b = a
To make your life a little easier, you can switch it around so it's easier to read. --------> a = P - 2c - 2b
And that's your answer. I know it looks a little weird and it needs a little simplifying, but believe me that that is a simple as you're going to get it. When you're solving for variables instead of actual numbers, things may seem a little cooky, especially when you are used to having definte answers (ie. x = 5). But remember that Algebra is the search for what is missing, not necessarily the search for the overall answer. With variable equations, always remember that the variable is NOT a letter, it is an unknown number.
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