Answer:
a = -14
Step-by-step explanation:
-60=10+5a
Can be written as
10 + 5a = -60
We need to solve for a. a is the unknown variable
Step 1
Collect like terms by subtracting 10 from both sides. By like terms we mean numbers that have unknown variable are grouped together and constants are also grouped separately
10 + 5a - 10 = -60 - 10
10 - 10 + 5a = -70
0 + 5a = -70
5a = -70
Note that when a case such as -60 - 10, it means two negative numbers are adding themselves
-60 - 10 = -60 + (-10)
When two negative numbers add up, you add the digits together and put the negative sign in front of the sum
Therefore, -60 - 10 = -70
5a = -70
Step 2
Divide both sides by the coefficient of a,
5a/5 = -70/5
a = -14
Note, when a negative number is divided by a positive number, the result is a negative number
a = -14 means the value of the unknown variable is -14.
