Question

Solve the equation using the distributive property and properties of equality.
5(a+ 3) = -55​

Answer 1

a = -14

In-depth explanation:

Hi! The question is asking us to solve the equation, which is:

`\large\textbf{5(a + 3) = -55}`

Use the distributive property to simplify the left-hand side:

`\large\textbf{5a + 15 = -55}`

Subtract 15 from each side:

`\large\textbf{5a = -55 - 15}`

`\large\textbf{5a = -70}`

Divide each side by 5:

`\large\textbf{a = -14}`

∴ the answer is a = -14.

`\rule{350}{1}`

Answer 2

a = -14

Explanation:

Isolate the variable, a. Note the equal sign, what you do to one side, you do to the other. Do the opposite of PEMDAS.

First, divide 5 from both sides:

(5(a + 3))/5 = = (-55)/5

a + 3 = -55/5

a + 3 = -11

Next, fully isolate a by subtracting 3 from both sides:

a + 3 (-3) = -11 (-3)

a = -11 - 3

a = -14

a = -14 is your answer.

~