SOLUTION: 3/8a-8=13 a=56 but how did it get to that number the calculator wasn't specific enough.

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: 3/8a-8=13 a=56 but how did it get to that number the calculator wasn't specific enough.      Log On


   

Question 1122014: 3/8a-8=13
a=56
but how did it get to that number the calculator wasn't specific enough.
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, MathTherapy:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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3/8a-8=13
a=56
but how did it get to that number the calculator wasn't specific enough.
---------------------------------------------------

What is your equation?
system%283%2F8a-8=13%2Cor%2C+3%2F%288a-8%29=13%2Cor%2C%283%2F8%29a-8=13%29

Whatever you start, just solve the equation for a. Using the calculator to compute what you find will be straightforward, as long as you understand operator precedence.

The equation you most likely had was %283%2F8%29a-8=13. You should be able to solve with no trouble. If you want to check your answer a=56, then:
%283%2F8%29%2A56-8

3 DIV BY 8 =
MULT BY 56 MINUS 8 =

and
You will get on the calculator, 13.

Answer by MathTherapy(10552) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
3/8a-8=13
a=56
but how did it get to that number the calculator wasn't specific enough.
Why do you need a calculator to solve this?

matrix%281%2C3%2C+%283%2F8%29a+-+8%2C+%22=%22%2C+13%29.

You need to proceed by:

1) Multiplying each side by the LCD, 8

2) ADDing the constant to both sides

3) DIVIDING EACH side by whatever you need to "get rid of" so "a" can be ISOLATED

You'll then have your value for "a" and you already know what that is.

Nothing more, nothing less!