Pearson Algebra 1 Common Core, 2011
PA
Pearson Algebra 1 Common Core, 2011 View details
4. Solving Equations With Variables on Both Sides
Continue to next subchapter

Exercise 27 Page 106

Simplify the equation as much as possible to determine the number of solutions. Use the Properties of Equality and Distributive Property.

No solution

Practice makes perfect
When identifying the number of solutions there are to an equation, there are three possible outcomes.
Result of Simplifying Number of Solutions
Variable on one side and constant on the other One solution
Identity — both sides are identical All real numbers
Contradiction — both sides are different numbers No solutions
To do find the number of solutions, we will simplify both sides of the given equation as much as possible and observe the result. Let's start by using the Distributive Property.
2(a-4)=4a-(2a+4)
2a-8=4a-(2a+4)
2a-8=4a-2a-4
2a-8=2a-4
2a-8-2a=2a-4-2a
- 8 = - 4 *
Simplifying the equation resulted in a contradiction. Therefore, the equation has no solution.