Solving 3a - 3(2) = 12: Step-by-Step Breakdown to Find a = 6

Understanding how to solve algebraic equations is essential for mastering math, whether you're a student learning the basics or someone brushing up on key concepts. One common equation youโ€™ll encounter is:

3a - 3(2) = 12

Understanding the Context

This equation may look simple, but solving it correctly involves following logical algebraic steps to isolate the variable. In this article, weโ€™ll break down the entire process clearly and show how it leads to the solution a = 6.


The Equation:

3a - 3(2) = 12

At first glance, this might seem straightforward, but understanding each step is key to grasping algebra.

Key Insights


Step 1: Simplify the Parentheses

Multiplication before subtraction is already completed here, so simplify 3(2):

3a - 6 = 12

This simplification reduces the equation to a clearer form:
3a - 6 = 12

Final Thoughts


Step 2: Add 6 to Both Sides

To isolate the term containing a, add 6 to both sides of the equation:

3a - 6 + 6 = 12 + 6
Simplifying both sides gives:
3a = 18

Now, the variable a is multiplied only by 3.


Step 3: Divide Both Sides by 3

To solve for a, divide both sides of the equation by 3:

3a รท 3 = 18 รท 3
This simplifies to:
a = 6