If a equals 2, what is x in the equation a = 8/(x+9)?

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Multiple Choice

If a equals 2, what is x in the equation a = 8/(x+9)?

Explanation:
Solving an equation where the variable sits in the denominator means clearing that fraction to isolate the variable. Start with 2 = 8/(x+9). Multiply both sides by (x+9) to remove the denominator: 2(x+9) = 8. Expand and simplify: 2x + 18 = 8, so 2x = -10, and x = -5. Quick check: plug back in, x+9 = 4, and 8/4 = 2, which matches. Other options don’t fit because they don’t make the right-hand side equal to 2 when substituted: for example, x = -1 gives 8/8 = 1; x = 5 gives 8/14 ≈ 0.571; x = -8 gives 8/1 = 8. The correct value is -5.

Solving an equation where the variable sits in the denominator means clearing that fraction to isolate the variable. Start with 2 = 8/(x+9). Multiply both sides by (x+9) to remove the denominator: 2(x+9) = 8. Expand and simplify: 2x + 18 = 8, so 2x = -10, and x = -5. Quick check: plug back in, x+9 = 4, and 8/4 = 2, which matches. Other options don’t fit because they don’t make the right-hand side equal to 2 when substituted: for example, x = -1 gives 8/8 = 1; x = 5 gives 8/14 ≈ 0.571; x = -8 gives 8/1 = 8. The correct value is -5.

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