a = -7
Step-by-step explanation;
-5 ( 8a + 1 ) + 6 = 281
Step 1 :- Distribute -5 through parantheses.
- -5 × 8a + 5 × 1 + 6 = 281
- -40a - 5 + 6 = 281
Step 2 :- Combine like terms.
Step 3 :- Move constant to right-hand side and change their sign.
Step 4 :- Subtract the numbers.
Step 5 :- Divie both side by -40 .
- -40a / -40 = 280 / -40
- a = -7