SOLUTION: I have an extra credit question on my homework that I have no clue how to solve. I just do not know where to start and am very confused. Any help would be marvelous : ) The probl

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: I have an extra credit question on my homework that I have no clue how to solve. I just do not know where to start and am very confused. Any help would be marvelous : ) The probl      Log On


   

Question 425367: I have an extra credit question on my homework that I have no clue how to solve. I just do not know where to start and am very confused. Any help would be marvelous : )
The problem is:
4a-3 = a+13 over a+1 (like a fraction)
I am just very stuck. Thank you! : )
Answer by Gersid(33) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Solve for a:
4a-3+=+%28a%2B13%29%2F%28a%2B1%29 Multiply both sides by %28a%2B1%29
%284a-3%29%28a%2B1%29+=+%28a%2B13%29cross%28%28a%2B1%29%29%2Fcross%28%28a%2B1%29%29 Cancel as indicated.
%284a-3%29%28a%2B1%29+=+%28a%2B13%29 Simplify.
4a%5E2%2Ba-3+=+a%2B13 Subtract a%2B13 from both sides.
4a%5E2-16+=+0 Factor this difference of two squares.
%282a%2B4%29%282a-4%29+=+0 Apply the zero product rule.
2a%2B4+=+0 or 2a-4+=+0 so...
2a+=+-4 then a%5B1%5D+=+-2 or 2a+=+4 then a%5B2%5D+=+2
The answer:
a%5B1%5D+=+-2, a%5B2%5D+=+2