5 (a+3) = 8a

How can I solve this?

Step 1: Simplify both sides of the equation.

5 (a+3) = 8a

(5) (a) + (5) (3) = 8a (Distribute)

5a+15=8a

Step 2: Subtract 8a from both sides.

5a+15-8a=8a-8a

-3a+15=0

Step 3: Subtract 15 from both sides.

-3a+15-15=0-15

-3a=-15

Step 4: Divide both sides by - 3.

-3a-3=-15-3

a=5

Step-by-step explanation:

Simplify the left side of the equation using the distributive property.

5 (a+3) = 5*a + 5*3 = 5a + 15

Now the equation looks like this: 5a + 15 = 8a

Next we want to put all the variables on the same side.

In this case, the easiest way to do this is subtract 5a from both sides.

5a + 15 - 5a = 8a - 5a

15 = 3a

In order to isolate a, divide both sides by 3

15/3 = 3a/3

5 = a

Answer: a = 5