Solve the Equation: 1/4a + 5 = 20 + a

Linear Equations with Fractional Coefficients

14a+5=20+a \frac{1}{4}a+5=20+a

a=? a=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:07 Let's solve this problem, step by step.
00:10 First, we need to isolate the unknown variable, A.
00:14 Let's rearrange the equation, so A is by itself on one side.
00:29 Next, we collect all like terms.
00:34 Then, multiply by the reciprocal, to get rid of any fractions.
00:53 Now, we simplify everything we can.
01:02 Let's break the fraction into a simpler product.
01:11 Calculate the fraction's quotient, and solve the multiplication.
01:15 And that's how we find the solution to our question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

14a+5=20+a \frac{1}{4}a+5=20+a

a=? a=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation 14a+5=20+a \frac{1}{4}a + 5 = 20 + a , follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Eliminate the a a variable term on the right side:
    Subtract a a from both sides:
    14a+5a=20+aa \frac{1}{4}a + 5 - a = 20 + a - a
    This simplifies to:
    14aa+5=20 \frac{1}{4}a - a + 5 = 20 .
  • Step 2: Combine like terms involving a a :
    The equation becomes: 14a44a+5=20 \frac{1}{4}a - \frac{4}{4}a + 5 = 20
    Combine them to get:
    34a+5=20 -\frac{3}{4}a + 5 = 20 .
  • Step 3: Isolate the a a term:
    Subtract 5 from both sides:
    34a+55=205 -\frac{3}{4}a + 5 - 5 = 20 - 5
    This simplifies to:
    34a=15 -\frac{3}{4}a = 15 .
  • Step 4: Solve for a a :
    To isolate a a , divide both sides by 34-\frac{3}{4}:
    a=1534=15×43=20 a = \frac{15}{-\frac{3}{4}} = 15 \times -\frac{4}{3} = -20 .
    Therefore, a=20 a = -20 .

Therefore, the solution to the equation is a=20 a = -20 .

3

Final Answer

20 -20

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Strategy: Move all variable terms to one side first
  • Technique: Rewrite a a as 44a \frac{4}{4}a to combine with 14a \frac{1}{4}a
  • Verification: Substitute a=20 a = -20 : 14(20)+5=0 \frac{1}{4}(-20) + 5 = 0 and 20+(20)=0 20 + (-20) = 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractions with different denominators incorrectly
    Don't try to subtract a a from 14a \frac{1}{4}a by writing 14aa=114a=0 \frac{1}{4}a - a = \frac{1-1}{4}a = 0 ! This ignores that a=44a a = \frac{4}{4}a , giving wrong results. Always convert to common denominators: 14a44a=34a \frac{1}{4}a - \frac{4}{4}a = -\frac{3}{4}a .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for X:

\( 3x=18 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to rewrite 'a' as a fraction?

+

You need a common denominator to combine 14a \frac{1}{4}a and a a . Since a=44a a = \frac{4}{4}a , you can subtract: 14a44a=34a \frac{1}{4}a - \frac{4}{4}a = -\frac{3}{4}a .

Can I multiply everything by 4 to clear the fraction first?

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Absolutely! Multiplying the entire equation 14a+5=20+a \frac{1}{4}a + 5 = 20 + a by 4 gives you a+20=80+4a a + 20 = 80 + 4a , which is often easier to solve.

How do I divide by a negative fraction?

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To divide by 34 -\frac{3}{4} , multiply by its reciprocal: 43 -\frac{4}{3} . So 15÷(34)=15×(43)=20 15 ÷ (-\frac{3}{4}) = 15 × (-\frac{4}{3}) = -20 .

What if I get a different negative answer?

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Double-check your fraction arithmetic! The most common error is incorrectly combining 14aa \frac{1}{4}a - a . Remember: a=44a a = \frac{4}{4}a , so the result should be 34a -\frac{3}{4}a .

Why is the answer negative when both sides have positive numbers?

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The coefficient of a a becomes negative after combining terms: 34a -\frac{3}{4}a . When you solve 34a=15 -\frac{3}{4}a = 15 , the negative coefficient makes a a negative.

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