In the equation (ax + 3)2 = 36, a is a constant. If x = −3 is one solution to the equation, what is a possible value of a?

Explanation

To solve the equation (ax + 3)2 = 36 with x = −3 as a solution, substitute −3 for x to get (−3a + 3)2 = 36. Taking the square root of both sides yields two possible equations: −3a + 3 = 6 and −3a + 3 = −6. Solving these, we find a = −1 and a = 3. Thus, −1 is a possible value for a. The incorrect options stem from common errors such as ignoring the squared term, incorrect arithmetic operations, or misinterpretation of the equation structure.