2a - 5 = a + 3
First, let's subtract both sides by "a"
2a - 5 - a = a + 3 - a
a - 5 = 3
Now, let's add both sides by 5 to remove the "-5" on the left side.
a - 5 + 5 = 3 + 5
a = 8
That should be the answer to your question.
Let me know if you need any clarifications, thanks!