Simplifying
7a + -3a + 2a + -1a = 16
Combine like terms: 7a + -3a = 4a
4a + 2a + -1a = 16
Combine like terms: 4a + 2a = 6a
6a + -1a = 16
Combine like terms: 6a + -1a = 5a
5a = 16
Solving
5a = 16
Solving for variable 'a'.
Move all terms containing a to the left, all other terms to the right.
Divide each side by '5'.
a = 3.2
Simplifying
a = 3.2