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What is the first step in solving [tex]\frac{a}{2}-5=-2[/tex]?

A. Divide both sides by 2
B. Add 5 to both sides
C. Subtract 5 from both sides
D. Multiply both sides by -2


Sagot :

To solve the equation [tex]\(\frac{a}{2} - 5 = -2\)[/tex], we need to isolate the variable [tex]\(a\)[/tex]. Let's go through the steps in detail:

1. Understanding the Goal: Our goal is to get [tex]\(a\)[/tex] by itself on one side of the equation.

2. Identify Operations: Currently, [tex]\(a\)[/tex] is divided by 2 and then 5 is subtracted. We need to reverse these operations.

3. Reverse Subtraction: The first operation to reverse is the subtraction of 5. To do this, we will add 5 to both sides of the equation. This is because adding and subtracting are inverse operations and they cancel each other out.

[tex]\[ \frac{a}{2} - 5 + 5 = -2 + 5 \][/tex]

4. Simplifying: Adding 5 to both sides results in:

[tex]\[ \frac{a}{2} = 3 \][/tex]

Therefore, the first step in solving the equation [tex]\(\frac{a}{2} - 5 = -2\)[/tex] is to add 5 to both sides.

Hence, the correct answer is:

B. add 5 to both sides.