Question

Solve each equation. Check your solution.

$7a-3a+2a-a=16$

Short answer

The required answer is $\frac{16}{5}$.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1- Simplify left side of the equation

Combine the like terms on left side the original equation.

$5a=16$

Step 2- Isolate the variable a

Perform division of 5 on both sides of the equation.

$\begin{array}{c}\frac{5a}{5}=\frac{16}{5}\\ a=\frac{16}{5}\end{array}$

– Check the obtained value 

Substitute the obtained value of a into the original equation and perform simplification for checking.

$\begin{array}{l}7\left(\frac{16}{5}\right)-3\left(\frac{16}{5}\right)+2\left(\frac{16}{5}\right)-\frac{16}{5}\stackrel{?}{=}16\\ 16=16\end{array}$

Step 4- Make the conclusion

As the checking results in equal values on both the sides on substation of obtained value which means that obtained value is correct.