Answer: a = -3
Step-by-step explanation: To solve for a in the equation you see here, our goal is to get a by itself.
Our first step will be to isolate the term containing a which in this case is 3a. To isolate 3a, we have to get rid of the -5 by adding 5 to both sides of the equation. On the left, -5 and +5 cancels and we're left with 3a. On the right, -14 + 5 simplifies to -9 so we have 3a = -9.
Now, to get a by itself since it's being multiplied by 3, we just divide both sides of the equation by 3. On the left the 3's cancel and we're left with a. On the right -9 divided by 3 simplifies to -3 so our answer is a = -3 and feel free to check your answer by plugging -3 back in for a in the original equation.