Question 157751


{{{8a-4(-5a-2)=12a}}} Start with the given equation.



{{{8a+20a+8=12a}}} Distribute.



{{{28a+8=12a}}} Combine like terms on the left side.



{{{28a=12a-8}}} Subtract {{{8}}} from both sides.



{{{28a-12a=-8}}} Subtract {{{12a}}} from both sides.



{{{16a=-8}}} Combine like terms on the left side.



{{{a=(-8)/(16)}}} Divide both sides by {{{16}}} to isolate {{{a}}}.



{{{a=-1/2}}} Reduce.



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Answer:


So the answer is {{{a=-1/2}}} which in decimal form is {{{a=-0.5}}}.