Answer:
a=11
Explanation:
Let's solve your equation step-by-step. 
√a+5=4 
Solve Square Root. 
√a+5=4 
a+5=42(Square both sides) 
a+5=16 
a+5−5=16−5(Subtract 5 from both sides) 
a=11 
Check answers. (Plug them in to make sure they work.) 
a=11(Works in original equation)