Q: a + 2 + a + 4 + a + 6 = 36. What's a?
UNANSWERED.
The correct answer is E.
A: The correct answer is 8.
The algebra way: a + 2 + a + 4 + a + 6 = 36 Put all the a's together and all the numbers together. 3a + 12 = 36 Subtract 12 on both sides. 3a = 24 Divide by 3 on both sides. a = 8
The Substitution Way: Start with answer C and plug it in. We start with answer C because usually answers A and B are smaller and answers D and E are larger. a + 2 + a + 4 + a + 6 = 36 4 + 2 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 6 = 36 24 = 36 No. Ok, let's try D) cause we need a larger number to get closer to 36. a + 2 + a + 4 + a + 6 = 36 6 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 6 = 36 30 = 36 Not quite, but getting closer. It must be E) cause that's the only larger number left, but let's check to be sure. a + 2 + a + 4 + a + 6 = 36 8 + 2 + 8 + 4 + 8 + 6 = 36 36 = 36 Hooray! (Crowd-cheering sound effects)
