Solve the Linear Equation: 16a-20a+15=2(5-2a)

Linear Equations with No Solution

16a20a+15=2(52a) 16a-20a+15=2(5-2a)

a=? a=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:11 Let's solve this problem step by step.
00:15 First, we will collect all the like terms together.
00:20 Next, open the brackets carefully. Multiply each term inside.
00:28 Now, our goal is to isolate the unknown variable, A.
00:34 Arrange the equation so only variable A is on one side.
00:39 After that, simplify everything we can.
00:43 If we end up with an illogical expression, it means there's no solution to this problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

16a20a+15=2(52a) 16a-20a+15=2(5-2a)

a=? a=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the problem step-by-step:

Step 1: Begin with the original equation:
16a20a+15=2(52a) 16a - 20a + 15 = 2(5 - 2a) .

Step 2: Simplify the left-hand side by combining like terms:
16a20a+15=4a+15 16a - 20a + 15 = -4a + 15 .

Step 3: Apply the distributive property to the right-hand side:
2(52a)=2522a=104a 2(5 - 2a) = 2 \cdot 5 - 2 \cdot 2a = 10 - 4a .

Step 4: Now the equation reads:
4a+15=104a -4a + 15 = 10 - 4a .

Step 5: Attempt to isolate the variable a a by subtracting 10 10 from both sides:
4a+1510=4a -4a + 15 - 10 = -4a .
This simplifies to:
4a+5=4a -4a + 5 = -4a .

Step 6: Subtract 4a -4a from both sides to further simplify the equation:
5=0 5 = 0 .
This is a contradiction, indicating that no solution exists for the equation since a statement like this is never true.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is No solution.

3

Final Answer

No solution

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Combine like terms and distribute before isolating variables
  • Technique: If variables cancel leaving false statement like 5 = 0, no solution exists
  • Check: When simplified equation shows impossible statement, confirm no solution ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming every equation has a solution
    Don't keep trying to solve when you get 5 = 0 or similar contradiction! This means the equation has no solution, not that you made an error. Always recognize that contradictory statements indicate no solution exists.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for x:

\( 2(4-x)=8 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What does it mean when I get 5 = 0 or similar contradiction?

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This means the equation has no solution! When variables completely cancel out and you're left with a false statement, the original equation is impossible to solve.

How is this different from getting x = 0 as an answer?

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x = 0 is a valid solution where the variable equals zero. But 5 = 0 is a contradiction - it's saying 5 literally equals 0, which is impossible!

Did I make a mistake if I get no solution?

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Not necessarily! Some equations genuinely have no solution. Double-check your algebra steps, but if you consistently get a contradiction, 'no solution' is the correct answer.

What causes an equation to have no solution?

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This happens when both sides of the equation have the same variable terms but different constant terms. Like 4a+15=4a+10 -4a + 15 = -4a + 10 - the variable parts are identical but constants differ.

How do I write 'no solution' as my final answer?

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You can write it as: No solution, (empty set symbol), or No real solutions exist. All are correct ways to express this.

Can I check my work when there's no solution?

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Yes! Try substituting any number for the variable in the original equation. You'll find that no value makes both sides equal, confirming no solution exists.

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