2x²+7x+9x-2=38 2x²+16x-40=0 2(x²+8x-20)=0 2(x+10)(x-2)=0 x=-10 or x=2 if we let x=-10 we get negative lengths for some of the segments which is not allowed so discard it. for x=2,
You have to isolate the (a) so you multiply the 2/3 by 3/2 and you have to do that to the right side. So -24 times 3/2 equals to -36. Therefore, a=-36.
