Remmeber you can do anything to an equaiton as long as you do it to btoh sides 5-6(a+2)=7+a distribute 5-6a-12=7+a add like terms -6a-7=7+a add 6a both sides -7=7+7a minus 7 both sides -14=7a divide by 7 -2=a a=-2
The first step here would be to distribute the parenthesis to the -6.
5 - 6a - 12 = 7 + a
Next, combine all like terms. This means that the constants will combine, thus making the next step easier.
- 6a - 7 = 7 + a
Now, subtract the negative seven from the other side of the parenthesis. When I say add the negative, I mean that the sign (-) will flip, turning into a positive.
- 6a = 14 + a
Now do the same with the a, except this time the a will be subtracted from the other side due to it's positive sign being flipped into a negative.
