# Basic Algebra help needed!

• Dec 10th 2009, 10:01 AM
8bit
Basic Algebra help needed!
I've been playing Professor Layton on the DS and it threw up a algebra question, eek, which I was never good at, even at school. I had to look up the answer but it STILL doesnt make any sense so could someone just go through it briefly??
You are given the following equation but the explanation for working out C confuses me...

A+C=D
AXB=C
C-B=B
Ax4=D

They say to work out the top and bottom ones first as they both have D as the answer. It goes on to say A + C and A x 4 both equal D. Since Ax4 is the same as A+A+A+A, C must must equal A x 3. But how can it equal 3 when AxAxAxA surely equals Ax4(??).
Help will be very much appreciated!!! :)
• Dec 10th 2009, 10:56 AM
Mukilab
Sorry what do you want to work out exactly?

The value of C,D and B in terms of A?

If so than

C=3A
D=4A
B= $\frac{3}{2}$

Sorry if it's C then C may also = 3A,2B,A*B

Do you want the method?
• Dec 10th 2009, 10:59 AM
Mukilab
Argh, dreadfully sorry for misunderstanding the question.

A*4=D
This mean A+A+A+A=D

NOT A*A*A*A

that would be $A^4$