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8(a - 3) - 17 = 9(a - 3)
In the equation above, what is the value of a - 3?
Correct Answer: B
Your Answer:
Explanation
B
The question asks for the value of an expression based on an equation. When a Digital SAT question asks for the value of an expression, there is usually a straightforward way to solve for the expression without needing to completely isolate the variable. Start by subtracting 8(a - 3) from both sides of the equation to get -17 = 9(a - 3) - 8(a - 3). Combine the terms with (a - 3) to get -17 = (9 - 8)(a - 3), which becomes -17 = 1(a - 3), or -17 = a - 3. The correct answer is (B).