Question

-5(a + 3) = -55
What is the value of a?

Answer 1

a=8

Explanation:

-5(a+3)=-55

First you times the bracket by -5

-5a-15=-55

Then you add the 15 to -55 because since the 15 is a negative on the right it has to be the opposite to the left

-5a=-40

Then you divide both sides by negative 5

-5a . = . -40

--------- ----------

- 5 -5

a= 8