Questions: Points:
Solve and check. Label the equation if it is an identity or a contradiction.
a+(a-2)=(a+3)-(a+1)
Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice.
A. The solution is a= .
(Type an integer or a simplified fraction.)
B. The solution is all real numbers. The equation is an identity.
C. There is no solution. The equation is a contradiction.
Transcript text: Points:
Solve and check. Label the equation if it is an identity or a contradiction.
\[
a+(a-2)=(a+3)-(a+1)
\]
Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice.
A. The solution is $a=$ ]. $\square$
(Type an integer or a simplified fraction.)
B. The solution is all real numbers. The equation is an identity.
C. There is no solution. The equation is a contradiction.
Solution
Solution Steps
To solve the equation \( a + (a - 2) = (a + 3) - (a + 1) \), we will first simplify both sides of the equation. Then, we will solve for \( a \) and determine if the equation is an identity, a contradiction, or has a specific solution.
Step 1: Simplify Both Sides of the Equation
Given the equation:
\[
a + (a - 2) = (a + 3) - (a + 1)
\]
First, simplify both sides:
\[
a + a - 2 = 2a - 2
\]
\[
(a + 3) - (a + 1) = a + 3 - a - 1 = 2
\]
So, the equation simplifies to:
\[
2a - 2 = 2
\]
Step 2: Solve for \( a \)
To solve for \( a \), add 2 to both sides of the equation:
\[
2a - 2 + 2 = 2 + 2
\]
\[
2a = 4
\]
Next, divide both sides by 2:
\[
a = 2
\]
Step 3: Verify the Solution
Substitute \( a = 2 \) back into the original equation to verify:
\[
2 + (2 - 2) = (2 + 3) - (2 + 1)
\]
\[
2 + 0 = 5 - 3
\]
\[
2 = 2
\]
The solution satisfies the original equation.
Final Answer
The correct choice is:
\[
\boxed{a = 2}
\]
The answer is A.