If you’re solving for a... subtract the 8 to the other side so... -4(a+3)- 3(2a-8) = 22. Distribute the -4 and -3 into the parentheses (two negatives multiplied together is a positive)... -4a-12-6a+24 = 22. Add the constants and a’s together. -10a + 12 = 22 Subtract 12 to the other side. -10a = 10 Divide both sides by -10. a = -1 Check and make sure that this answer works with the problem. -4(-1+3)-3(-2-8)=22 -4(-2)-3(-10)=22. -8+30=22. 22=22, the answer checks out
