Question

Solve for a.

a+(−1.2)=−5.5

Enter your answer in the box.

a =

Answer 1

a=-4.3

Why?:

You would have to keep the answer negative, this is because if it were to be positive it would make the negative decrease.

You could easily get a line paper and line up-

-4.3

+ -1.2

_______

-5.5

-5.5-(-1.2) would make the equation end up like -5.5+1.2, and -5.5+1.2=-4.3

Therefore,

a=-4.3

Answer 2

-4.3

Explanation:

a+(-1.2)= -5.5

a-1.2=-5.5

add 1.2 to both sides

a-1.2+1.2= - 5.5+1.2

simplify

a= - 4.3