Q: If a / b = 3/4 and 8a + 5b = 22, then find the value of a.
Answer Choices: (a) 1/2 (b) 3/2 (c) 5/2 (d) 4/2 (e) 7/2
stipulations: find b first, don't rearrange, use matlab, no text, assign fractions exactly, keep fractions. calculate thoroughly, substitute cleanly, simplify reluctantly, backcheck simplifications and substitutions thoroughly for logical consistency with all prior working out, finally you must test your answer. 
hint: first find a way to get the same variable on both sides of the equation with logical consistency