Question

Solve the equation if possible. $$ 8 a-4(-5 a-2)=12 a $$

Short answer

The solution to the equation is \(a = -0.5\).

Step-by-step solution

Distribute

Distribute the -4 on the right side of the equation to get rid of the parenthesis: \(8a - 4(-5a-2) = 12a\) becomes \(8a + 20a + 8 = 12a\).

Combine like terms

Combine similar terms on the left side of the equation: \(8a + 20a + 8 = 12a\) becomes \(28a + 8 = 12a\).

Isolate variable

Isolate the variable by subtracting \(12a\) from both sides: \(28a + 8 - 12a = 12a - 12a\) becomes \(16a + 8 = 0\). Subtract 8 from both sides to get \(16a = -8\).

Solve for \(a\)

Divide by 16 on both sides to arrive at the value of \(a\): \(a = -8/16 = -0.5\).