Question

5-6(a+2)=7+a What is a

Answer 1

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

Answer 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.

- 7a = 14

Now you divide both sides by - 7. Almost done!!!

- 7a / - 7 = 14 / -7

Finally the equation simplifies to:

a= -2