Question

How would I complete this equation?

(7a+3)+(-a-5)= -16

Answer 1

(7a+3)+(-a-5)=-16
6a-2=-16
6a=-14
a=-2.3333333333

Answer 2

(7a+3)+(-a-5)=-16
Combine like terms:6a-2=-16
Add 2 to both sides: 6a=-14
Divide both sides by 6: a=-14/6
Simplify: a=-7/3