Question

Solve each equation. Check your solution. (Lesson 2 - 3)

$15=4a-5$

Short answer

The solution of the given equation is $a=5$.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Apply the concept of addition and subtraction of equality.

We can add or subtract the same quantities on both sides of the equation for separating the variable on one side of the equation and the numbers on the other side.

We are given the equation $15=4a-5$, we add 5 to both sides of the equation as shown:

role="math" localid="1642666307019" $\begin{array}{l}15+5=4a-5+5\\ 20=4a\end{array}$

Step 2. Apply the concept of multiplication and division of equality.

An equation is an expression containing two quantities separated by a = symbol.

Finding a solution to an equation involves separating the variable on one side of the equation and numbers on the other side.

We can multiply or divide by the same quantities on both sides of the equation for separating the variable on one side of the equation and the numbers on the other side.

We have the equation $20=4a$, we divide by 4 both sides of the equation as shown:

$\begin{array}{l}\frac{20}{4}=\frac{4a}{4}\\ 5=a\\ a=5\end{array}$

Thus the solution of the given equation is $a=5$

Step 3. Checking the solution.

We substitute the value of the variable into the given equation:

$\begin{array}{l}15=4a-5\\ 15=4\left(5\right)-5\\ 15=20-5\\ 15=15\end{array}$

Since the above equation is satisfied, the solution $a=5$is verified.