Final answer:
To solve for a in the equation 3(a+7) = -33, distribute 3, isolate a, and solve for a.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve for a in the equation 3(a+7) = -33, we can start by distributing the 3 on the left side of the equation. This gives us 3a + 21 = -33. Next, we can isolate a by subtracting 21 from both sides of the equation, resulting in 3a = -54.
Finally, we can solve for a by dividing both sides of the equation by 3, giving us a = -18.