Ok HI again but the answer should be -0.68 the steps are below! Simplifying 5 + -0.25(a + 4) = 3 + 3(0.05 + -0.5a) Reorder the terms: 5 + -0.25(4 + a) = 3 + 3(0.05 + -0.5a) 5 + (4 * -0.25 + a * -0.25) = 3 + 3(0.05 + -0.5a) 5 + (-1 + -0.25a) = 3 + 3(0.05 + -0.5a) Combine like terms: 5 + -1 = 4 4 + -0.25a = 3 + 3(0.05 + -0.5a) 4 + -0.25a = 3 + (0.05 * 3 + -0.5a * 3) 4 + -0.25a = 3 + (0.15 + -1.5a) Combine like terms: 3 + 0.15 = 3.15 4 + -0.25a = 3.15 + -1.5a Solving 4 + -0.25a = 3.15 + -1.5a Solving for variable 'a'. Move all terms containing a to the left, all other terms to the right. Add '1.5a' to each side of the equation. 4 + -0.25a + 1.5a = 3.15 + -1.5a + 1.5a Combine like terms: -0.25a + 1.5a = 1.25a 4 + 1.25a = 3.15 + -1.5a + 1.5a Combine like terms: -1.5a + 1.5a = 0.0 4 + 1.25a = 3.15 + 0.0 4 + 1.25a = 3.15 Add '-4' to each side of the equation. 4 + -4 + 1.25a = 3.15 + -4 Combine like terms: 4 + -4 = 0 0 + 1.25a = 3.15 + -4 1.25a = 3.15 + -4 Combine like terms: 3.15 + -4 = -0.85 1.25a = -0.85 Divide each side by '1.25'. a = -0.68 Simplifying a = -0.68