Answer
a = -37
Work Step by Step
7(6 - 2a) = 5(-3a + 1)
Use the distributive property:
42 - 14a = -15a + 5
Add 14a to both sides of the equation to move the variable (a) to one side of the equation.
42 - 14a + 14a = -15a + 5 + 14a
42 = -1a + 5
Subtract 5 from both sides of the equation.
42 - 5 = -1a + 5 - 5
37 = -1a
Divide both sides of the equation by -1 to isolate the variable.
$\frac{37}{-1}$ = $\frac{-1a}{-1}$
-37 = a
Check:
To check your answer, plug it into the original equation. In this case, replace "a" with -37 and solve.
7(6 - 2a) = 5(-3a + 1)
7(6 - 2(-37)) = 5(-3(-37) + 1)
7(6 + 74) = 5(111 + 1)
7(80) = 5(112)
560 = 560
