Solve for a in terms of b: 5a - 2b = 3. Which expression correctly represents a?

• A. (3 - 2b) / 5
• B. (3 + 2b) / 5
• C. (5 + 2b) / 3
• D. (5b - 3) / 2

Answer: (B)

To isolate a, treat the equation as a way to get a by itself. Start with 5a - 2b = 3. Add 2b to both sides to cancel the −2b on the left, giving 5a = 3 + 2b. Then divide both sides by 5 to solve for a: a = (3 + 2b)/5. This shows a in terms of b and follows the exact steps needed: move the b-term to the other side, then divide by the coefficient of a. For a quick check, if b = 0, a = 3/5, and plugging back into the original equation confirms 5·(3/5) − 2·0 = 3, which works.