Answer:
a = 5
Explanation:
When the coefficients of the variables are equal with different constants, then you will get an equation which is never true.
For this particular equation, when a on the right side has a coefficient of 5, you will get the equation: 4(a - 2) + a = 5a - 4.
When you distribute the factors in the parenthesis and add the like terms of a together, 4(a - 2) + a will become 5a - 8. This is because 4(a - 2) + a = 4(a) + 4(-2) + a = 4a - 8 + a = 5a - 8.
Now when you simplify 5a - 8 = 5a - 4 by subtracting 5a from both sides, you will get an equation with unlike constants. For instance 1 = 0.
Now:
5a - 8 = 5a - 4
-5a -5a
-8 = -4
This is never true, so therefore, there is no solution.