Answer: a = -10
Concept:
When an equation has no solution, in most cases, it means that the variables are being canceled out, and left with unequal constants.
For example:
2x + 3 = 2 +2x
The 2x can be canceled out on both sides, which left us with:
3 = 2
3 does not equal to 2, therefore, it has no solution
Solve:
Given equation
4 (5x + 1) = -2 (ax + 4)
Expand the parenthesis
4 (5x) + 4 (1) = -2 (ax) + (-2) (4)
20x + 4 = -2ax - 8
According to the concept, we need to make the variables equal to cancel them out and left with unequal constants
20x = -2ax
Divide x on both sides
20x / x = -2ax / x
20 = -2a
Divide -2 on both sides
20 / -2 = -2a / -2
[tex]\Large\boxed{a=-10}[/tex]
Hope this helps!! :)
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