Solve for a. sqrt ( –3a − 8) = sqrt –a a = _____

Square both sides: Square both sides of the equation to eliminate the square roots. (sqrt(–3a − 8))^2 = (sqrt(–a))^2 –3a − 8 = –aMove terms with a: Move all terms containing a to one side of the equation. –3a + a = 8 –2a = 8Divide by -2: Divide both sides by -2 to solve for a. –2a / -2 = 8 / -2 a = -4

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Solve for $a$ . $\newline$ $\sqrt{(-3a - 8)} = \sqrt{-a}$ $\newline$ $a =$ _____

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Precalculus

Solve radical equations

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Q. Solve for

a

\newline

\sqrt{(-3a - 8)} = \sqrt{-a}

\newline

a =

_____

Square both sides: Square both sides of the equation to eliminate the square roots. $\newline$ $(\sqrt{-3a - 8})^2 = (\sqrt{-a})^2$ $\newline$ $-3a - 8 = -a$
Move terms with $a$ : Move all terms containing $a$ to one side of the equation. $\,-3a + a = 8$ $\,-2a = 8$
Divide by $-2$ : Divide both sides by $-2$ to solve for $a$ . $\frac{-2a}{-2} = \frac{8}{-2}$ $a = -4$