Question

How would I solve for a: 5x(a+40)= 6x(a-40)

Answer 1

can you get all of the As on one side and the Xs on the other?

Answer 2

i've tred but it cant be done because you have to distribute and the a variable would turn into xa

Answer 3

I was looking at this wrong, sorry. I should have asked: What do you get when you multiply it out?

Answer 4

and yes, there will be Xs and AXs

Answer 5

5xa+200x = 6xa-240

Answer 6

there still is no way to solve for a

Answer 7

you forgot an X on the 240 there

Answer 8

now collect the terms.... the Xs on the left, the XAs on the right

Answer 9

200x + 240x = 6xa - 5xa right?

Answer 10

so then
440x = xa

Answer 11

ok, i see what you did

Answer 12

and what happens when you divide everything by X?

Answer 13

then you'll get 440 = a?

Answer 14

5x(a+40)= 6x(a-40) Faster way

Answer 15

divide both sides by x

Answer 16

distribute.

Answer 17

isolate the variable, and divide.

Answer 18

It's basically what @philips13 , but I just wanted to point out that you can divide by x in the first place.

Answer 19

there is a condition when you divide by any number, and x is the same: x cannot equal zero.

Answer 20

It would be more correct to add that x=/=0

Answer 21

yes, a=440
and I always do things the hard way, less confusing for me :D