SOLUTION: Are there any values of the variable a for which the expressions 2+a and 2a have the same value? Explain.

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: Are there any values of the variable a for which the expressions 2+a and 2a have the same value? Explain.      Log On


   

Question 92739: Are there any values of the variable a for which the expressions 2+a and 2a have the same value? Explain.
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
2%2Ba=2a Set the expressions equal to each other

2%2Bcross%28a-a%29=2a-a Subtract "a" from both sides


2=a Combine like terms

So the number is

a=2

Check:

2%2B2=4 plug in a=2 into 2%2Ba

2%282%29=4 plug in a=2 into 2a

Since they both equal 4, the solution works