Solve the following equation

Explanation

• This is the equation to solve
  • 8a - 2(a - 7) = 68
• Distribute the multiplication by -2
  • 8a -2a + 14 = 68
• Combine like term:8a - 2a = 6a.  First, we want to isolate the variable term, 6a
  • 6a + 14 = 68
• To undo the addition of 14, subtract 14 from both sides.  this isolates 6a
  • 6a + 14 -14 = 68 -14
• Do the subtractions.  Now we want to isolate the variable, a
  • 6a = 54
• To undo the multiplication by 6, divide both sides by 6.  This isolates a
  • \(\frac{6a}{6} = \frac{54}{6}\)
• On the left side, simplify: \(\require{cancel} \frac{\cancel{6}^1a}{\cancel{6}_1} = a\).  On the right side, do the division
  • a = 9

The solution is 9.  Use a check to verify this