Question

How do you solve `-3a + 5= 23`?

Answer 1

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, subtract `color(red)(5)` from each side of the equation to isolate the `a` term while keeping the equation balanced:

`-3a + 5 - color(red)(5) = 23 - color(red)(5)`

`-3a + 0 = 18`

`-3a = 18`

Now, divide each side of the equation by `color(red)(-3)` to solve for `a` while keeping the equation balanced:

`(-3a)/color(red)(-3) = 18/color(red)(-3)`

`(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-3)))a)/cancel(color(red)(-3)) = -6`

`a = -6`

Answer 2

`a=-6`

Explanation:

Isolate the -3a term by subtracting 5 from both sides of the equation.

`-3acancel(+5)cancel(-5)=23-5`

`rArr-3a=18`

To solve for a, divide both sides by - 3

`(cancel(-3) a)/cancel(-3)=18/(-3)`

`rArra=-6`

`color(blue)"As a check"`

Substitute this value into the left side and if it is equal to the right side then it is the solution.

`"left side "=(-3xx-6)+5=18+5=23`

`rArra=-6" is the solution"`