How do you solve #6a + 5a = - 1#?

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Answer 1 · 2016-09-25T02:23:22

#a=(-1)/11#

Given -

#6a+5a=-1#

Add the like term items on the left side

#11a=-1#

Divide both sides by #11#

#(cancel11a)/(cancel11)=(-1)/11#

#a=(-1)/11#

Answer 2 · 2016-09-25T02:24:43

Add common terms and then isolate and solve for a
a = #-1/11#

First add the common terms 6a + 5a

6a + 5a = 11a

This is an application of the reverse distributive property.

#( 6 + 5) xx a#

Then divide both sides by 11

This is an application of the Multiplicative ( also division) Property of Identity

# 11/11# = 1

#(11 a)/ 11 = -1/11#

a = #-1/11#