Solve 3a + 4b = 5a - 6b + 24 - 3a for a in terms of b.
3a + 4b = 5a – 6b + 24 – 3a
You just add up the like terms.
3a + 4b = 2a – 6b + 24
And subtract 2a from both sides
a + 4b = – 6b + 24
And subtract 4b from both sides
a = – 10b + 24
When you get better at it, you
can combine simple steps like
addition/subtraction of terms.
It's conventional to place the
positive number ahead of the
negative number.
a = 24 – 10b