24 * 2 + 25 * -47 = (-8 * -3)(a * -2) - 53 Use PEMDAS, start with parentheses to start simplifying 24 * 2 + 25 * -47 = 24(-2a) - 53 Next, do the multiplication left to right 48 + 25 * -47 = 24(-2a) - 53 48 + -1175 = 24(-2a) - 53 48 + -1175 = -48a - 53 Next, do addition and subtraction left to right -1127 = -48a - 53 Then you add 53 to each side to get a alone -1074 = -48a Divide both sides by -48 to find a 22.375 = a
You can do this in fewer steps, but I just wanted to show each individual thing I did to try to make it easier to follow.
