Aboat maker wanted to build a canoe 6 ft long and 2 1/2 wide but decided that those dimensions were too small. the boat maker wants to add 2 ft to both the length and width but also wants to keep the canoe the same shape. explain why this will not work.

5=812a+9+3

step 1: simplify both sides of the equation.

5=812a+9+3

5=(812a)+(9+3)(combine like terms)

5=812a+12

5=812a+12

step 2: flip the equation.

812a+12=5

step 3: subtract 12 from both sides.

812a+12−12=5−12

812a=−7

step 4: divide both sides by 812.

812a /812 = -7/812

a= -1/116

so the answer is

a=   -1/116