How do you solve #-12= 5a - a#?

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Answer 1 · 2018-03-11T13:00:08

See a solution process below:

First, combine the like terms on the right side of the equation:

#-12 = 5a - a#

#-12 = 5a - 1a#

#-12 = (5 - 1)a#

#-12 = 4a#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(4)# to solve for #a# while keeping the equation balanced:

#-12/color(red)(4) = (4a)/color(red)(4)#

#-3 = (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(4)))a)/cancel(color(red)(4))#

#-3 = a#

#a = -3#