Digital PSAT Math Practice Question 52: Answer and Explanation

Question: 52

What is the value of a in the following equation?

• A.
• B. 0
• C.
• D.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Let's cross multiply here:

Next we need to distribute both the 8 and the 5:

Combine both a terms by subtracting 15a from both sides:

Combine the constants by adding 32 to both sides:

Finally, solve for a by dividing both sides by 9. So , choice (A).

Alternatively, realize that 3a - 4 = 0 because if we plug in x for , meaning 8x = 5x. Therefore, x must be zero.