Question

what is the solution(s) to the equation $5a^2 - 44 = 81$?
$\pm25$
$-5$
$\pm5$
$\pm125$

Explanation:

Step1: Isolate the squared term

Add 44 to both sides of the equation \(5a^2 - 44 = 81\) to get \(5a^2=81 + 44\).
\(5a^2=125\)

Step2: Solve for \(a^2\)

Divide both sides by 5: \(\frac{5a^2}{5}=\frac{125}{5}\), so \(a^2 = 25\).

Step3: Solve for \(a\)

Take the square root of both sides. Remember that when taking the square root of a number, we consider both the positive and negative roots. So \(a=\pm\sqrt{25}=\pm5\).

Answer:

\(\pm5\) (corresponding to the option: \(\boldsymbol{\pm5}\))