solve

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  

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