Question

How do I show work for 5- (a-4) = 3 (a+2)

Answer 1

5-(a-4)=3+(a+2)
distribute invible -1
5-a+4=4+a+1
9-a=a+5
add a to both sides
9=2a+5
minus 5 both sides
4=2a
divide by 2 both sides
2=a

Answer 2

Here is how I would show the work for this problem

5- (a-4) = 3 (a+2)
5-a+4 = 3*a+3*2
5-a+4 = 3a+6
-a+9 = 3a+6
-a+9+a = 3a+6+a
9 = 4a+6
9-6 = 4a+6-6
3 = 4a
4a = 3
4a/4 = 3/4
a = 3/4

So the solution is the fraction a = 3/4 (in decimal form 0.75)

Let me know if you have any questions or issues with any of the steps shown above. It's a lot to take in so feel free to ask about anything really.