7 - 2a - 5 - 14 = -2 + 3a
Firstly, collect like terms (the constants) on the left side of the equation.
7 - 5 - 14 = -12
The equation becomes
-12 - 2a = -2 + 3a
Add 2 to both sides. The -2 on the right side cancels out and the constant -12 on the left becomes -10.
-10 - 2a = 3a
Add 2a to both sides. The -2a on the left cancels out and the 3a on the right becomes 5a.
-10 = 5a
Divide both sides by 5. The coefficient on the right cancels out and the -10 becomes -2.
-2 = a
Answer:
a = -2
