Solve for b: -4 a - 26 b = 0 Factor constant terms from the left hand side: -2 (2 a + 13 b) = 0 Divide both sides by -2: 2 a + 13 b = 0 Subtract 2 a from both sides: 13 b = -2 a Divide both sides by 13: Answer: b = -(2 a)/13
Solve for a: 6 (a - b) - 5 (2 a + 4 b) = 0 Expand out terms of the left-hand side: -4 a - 26 b = 0 Factor constant terms from the left hand side: -2 (2 a + 13 b) = 0 Divide both sides by -2: 2 a + 13 b = 0 Subtract 13 b from both sides: 2 a = -13 b Divide both sides by 2: Answer: a = -(13 b)/2
