What is the solution to #16=a-4.2#? Algebra Properties of Real Numbers Additive Inverses and Absolute Values 1 Answer smendyka Dec 26, 2016 #a = 20.2# Explanation: To solve this problem we need to add #color(red)(4.2)# to each side of the equation to determine #a# and keep the equation balanced: #16 + color(red)(4.2) = a - 4.2 + color(red)(4.2)# #20.2 = a - 0# #20.2 = a# or #a = 20.2# Answer link Related questions What are absolute values? What is the absolute value of -10 and 10? How do you know that the additive inverse of -20 is 20? How do you evaluate #|2-8|#? How do you simplify #-|-1|#? What is the additive inverse property? What is the absolute value of -9? How do you simplify #x = - abs6^2 - abs(-4 + 7) *7#? How do you simplify #abs( -11 +1)#? How do you simplify #abs6-abs(-3)#? See all questions in Additive Inverses and Absolute Values Impact of this question 1867 views around the world You can reuse this answer Creative Commons License