Question

Solve the equation. $$ \frac{1}{2} a+8 \frac{1}{2} a=3 $$

Short answer

The solution for the equation is \(a = 0.67\).

Step-by-step solution

Combine like terms

As both terms have 'a', combine the terms on left hand side of the equation: \(\frac{1}{2}a+8 \times \frac{1}{2}a=3\). Doing so, we have \(4.5a = 3\).

Solve for 'a'

Dividing both sides of the equation by 4.5 to solve for 'a', gives: \(a = \frac{3}{4.5}\) or \(a = 0.67\)