Understanding the Expression and Solving for 'a'

The video tutorial explains how to find the value of a constant 'a' in a given expression. It introduces two methods: first, by setting the expressions equal to each other, and second, by solving the resulting equation. The tutorial walks through the steps of solving the equation by multiplying both sides and taking the square root, resulting in 'a' being plus or minus four.

What is the expression given for 'a' in terms of x?

• a = x squared minus eight

• a = one half x squared minus eight

• a = two x squared minus eight

• a = one half x squared plus eight

What is the purpose of setting two expressions equal to each other in this context?

• To simplify the expression

• To determine if the expressions are equivalent

• To find the value of a constant

• To find the value of x

If x equals zero, what equation do we derive from the given expressions?

• a squared equals 16

• a equals zero

• negative one half a squared equals negative eight

• a equals eight

What operation is performed first to solve for 'a' in the equation negative one half a squared equals negative eight?

• Divide both sides by negative two

• Add eight to both sides

• Multiply both sides by negative two

• Subtract eight from both sides

What are the possible values of 'a' after solving the equation?

• a is equal to plus or minus four

• a is equal to four

• a is equal to minus four

• a is equal to zero