1. For the middle equation, distribute the negative and take out the parenthesis.

2a – 5-4a-6+7 – 2a

2.Then just combine like terms

-4a-4

You distribute the neg.1 in the second set and get -4a-6

and keep the third set the same to 7-2a.

So you now have 2a-5-4a-6+7-2a = 0

You seperate the terms and get:

(2a-4a-2a) + (-5-6+7) and that equals -4a-4=0

-4a=4, divide by -4, and

a=-1. Yeah!

combine alike terms

the negative outside the parenthesis makes the 4a+6 opposite, as in -4a-6.

u have (2a – 5)+(-4a-6)+(7 – 2a)

combine alike terms

-4a-4 is the answer

to be sure just substitue a with any whole number to be easier. i chose 3.

substitute to the original problem, what u started out with, and u should get -16. substitute again with ur answer ( -4a-4 ) and u should get the -16

hope it helped nd u understood ;d

= 2a – 5 – 4a – 6 + 7 – 2a

= -4a – 4

i think thats the answer im not sure

-4a-4 could also be written as

-4 (a+1)

i’m not sure where you are in factoring, both answers are true,

i could argue that either one is “more” simplified

but i’m not sure which answer your teacher wants.