Question

How do you solve `-6- 7( 1- 2a ) = - 125`?

Answer 1

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, expand the terms in parenthesis by multiplying each term in parenthesis by the term outside the parenthesis:

`-6 - color(red)(7)(1 - 2a) = -125`

`-6 - (color(red)(7) * 1) - (color(red)(-7) * 2a) = -125`

`-6 - 7 - (-14a) = -125`

`-13 + 14a = -125`

Next, add `color(red)(13)` to each side of the equation to isolate the `a` term while keeping the equation balanced:

`color(red)(13) - 13 + 14a = color(red)(13) - 125`

`0 + 14a = -112`

`14a = -112`

Now, divide each side of the equation by `color(red)(14)` to solve for `a` while keeping the equation balanced:

`(14a)/color(red)(14) = -112/color(red)(14)`

`(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(14)))a)/cancel(color(red)(14)) = -8`

`a = -8`