SOLUTION: How do I work the following equation? 3/2a-8=11 I know the answer is 12 2/3 but do not know how to come to that answer.

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Question 1092196: How do I work the following equation?
3/2a-8=11
I know the answer is 12 2/3 but do not know how to come to that answer.
Found 3 solutions by MathLover1, ikleyn, greenestamps:
Answer by MathLover1(20849) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

%283%2F2%29a-8=11....both sides multiply by 2 to eliminate fraction
3a-16=22
3a-16%2B16=22%2B16
3a=38
a=38%2F3
a=36%2F3%2B2%2F3
a=122%2F3

Answer by ikleyn(52778) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
On solving linear equation in one unknown see the lesson
    - HOW TO solve a linear equation
in this site.



Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

%283%2F2%29a-8+=+11

There are many different paths to the solution; different people will have preferences for different methods. Here is how I would solve the problem.

(1) Get the term containing the variable by itself by adding 8 to both sides of the equation

%283%2F2%29a+=+19

(2) Get rid of the coefficient on the variable by dividing both sides of the equation by (3/2). Since dividing by 3/2 is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal 2/3, multiply both sides of the equation by 2/3.

a+=+%282%2F3%29%2A19+=+38%2F3

The solution is a = 38/3, or 12 2/3.