Basic Math Examples

$- 5 a + 5 a = - 8 a - 16$

Step 1

Add $- 5 a$ and $5 a$ .

$0 = - 8 a - 16$

Step 2

Since $a$ is on the right side of the equation, switch the sides so it is on the left side of the equation.

$- 8 a - 16 = 0$

Step 3

Add $16$ to both sides of the equation.

$- 8 a = 16$

Step 4

Divide each term in $- 8 a = 16$ by $- 8$ and simplify.

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Step 4.1

Divide each term in $- 8 a = 16$ by $- 8$ .

$\frac{- 8 a}{- 8} = \frac{16}{- 8}$

Step 4.2

Simplify the left side.

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Step 4.2.1

Cancel the common factor of $- 8$ .

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Step 4.2.1.1

Cancel the common factor.

$\frac{- 8 a}{- 8} = \frac{16}{- 8}$

Step 4.2.1.2

Divide $a$ by $1$ .

$a = \frac{16}{- 8}$

Step 4.3

Simplify the right side.

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Step 4.3.1

Divide $16$ by $- 8$ .

$a = - 2$