Answer:
a = 76
Explanation:
The remote angles theorem states that when one extends one side of a triangle, the sum of the two non-adjacent angles will equal the measure of the angle formed between the side of the triangle and the extension.
One can apply this theorem here by stating the following,
(a - 40) + (a) = (a + 36)
Simplify,
a - 40 + a = a + 36
2a - 40 = a + 36
Inverse operations,
2a - 40 = a + 36
-a -a
a - 40 = 36
+40 +40
a = 76