Question

Algebra Basics Solve the equation. Check your solution.

(Lessons 2.5, 2.6)

$a+24=16$

Short answer

The value of the variable is $a=-8$.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1  . Subtract 24.

To find the value of variable a in the equation $a+24=16$, subtract 24 from both sides of the equation.

$a+24-\left(24\right)=16-\left(24\right)$

Step 2  . Collect like terms.

Remove all the brackets and collect the like terms.

$a+24-24=16-24$

Step 3  . Simplify the equation.

To further simplify, combine the like terms.

$\begin{array}{c}a+24-24=16-24\\ a+0=-8\\ a=-8\end{array}$

Step 4  . Verify the value.

In order to verify the value of variable a, substitute -8 for a into the equation $a+24=16$.

$\begin{array}{c}(-8)+24=16\\ 16=16\text{True}\end{array}$

Hence, the value of the variable is $a=-8$.