Example

Solving 5(a−3)+5=−105(a - 3) + 5 = -10 Using a General Strategy

To solve the linear equation 5(a−3)+5=−105(a - 3) + 5 = -10 using the general strategy:

First, simplify the left side using the Distributive Property, then combine the like constant terms: 5a−15+5=−105a - 15 + 5 = -10, which simplifies to 5a−10=−105a - 10 = -10.

Collect the constant terms on the right side by adding 1010 to both sides: 5a=05a = 0.

Solve for aa by dividing both sides by 55: a=0a = 0.

Check the solution by substituting a=0a = 0 back into the original equation: 5(0−3)+5=5(−3)+5=−15+5=−105(0 - 3) + 5 = 5(-3) + 5 = -15 + 5 = -10, which confirms the solution is valid.

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Updated 2026-06-03

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