Question

In a+3(5a+8)=72, how do you find a?

Answer 1

you would look at pemdas or order of operations
after () you would do multiplication so
a+3(5a+8)=72
first you do 3 times (5a+8) and use the distrubtive property
a+15a+24=72
so add like terms
16a+24=72
subtract 24 from both sides
16a=48
divide both sides by 16
a=3

Answer 2

`a + 3(5a+8) = 72`
First you want to multiple 3(5a+8):

`a + (15a + 24) = 72`
Next, add a + 15a:

`16a + 24) = 72`
Then, subtract 24 from both sides:

`16a = 48`
Finally, divide both sides by 16:

`a = 3`