How do you solve #-9(a + 16) + (-4) = 23#?

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Answer 1 · 2015-07-16T22:28:40

#color(red)( a = -19)#

#-9(a+16) + (-4) = 23#

Remove parentheses from the #-4#:

#-9(a+16) -4 = 23#

Distribute the #-9#:

#-9a -144 -4 = 23#

Combine like terms:

#-9a -148 = 23#

Add #148# to each side:

#-9a = 171#

Divide both sides by #-9#:

#a = -171/9#

#a = -19#

Check:

#-9(a+16) + (-4) = -9(-19+16)-4 = -9×(-3)-4 = 27-4 = 23#