Solve {l}{3(a-2)=36}{3(2x+1)+x=-39}

$$\left. \begin{array} { l } { 3 ( a - 2 ) = 36 } \\ { 3 ( 2 x + 1 ) + x = - 39 } \end{array} \right.$$

Solve for a, x

$$x=-6$$

$$a=14$$

Solution Steps

Consider the first equation. Divide both sides by 3.

$$a-2=\frac{36}{3}$$

Divide 36 by 3 to get 12.

$$a-2=12$$

Add 2 to both sides.

$$a=12+2$$

Add 12 and 2 to get 14.

$$a=14$$

Consider the second equation. Use the distributive property to multiply 3 by 2x+1.

$$6x+3+x=-39$$

Combine 6x and x to get 7x.

$$7x+3=-39$$

Subtract 3 from both sides.

$$7x=-39-3$$

Subtract 3 from -39 to get -42.

$$7x=-42$$

Divide both sides by 7.

$$x=\frac{-42}{7}$$

Divide -42 by 7 to get -6.

$$x=-6$$

The system is now solved.

$$a=14 x=-6$$