Distribute -1 into the brackets. -2(a - 8) + 6a = 36 -2a + 16 + 6a = 36 Take 16 to the other side -2a + 6a + 16 = 36 - 16 -16 -2a + 6a = 36 - 16 Combine like terms 4a = 20 Divide by 4 on either sides to isolate a [tex] \frac{4a}{4} = \frac{20}{4} [/tex] 4 and 4 cancels out. a = 5