Question

complete the process of solving the equation.
fill in all missing terms and select all missing descriptions. simplify any fractions.
$3(5a - 18) - 15 = 16a - 8$
$15a - 54 - 15 = 16a - 8$
$15a - \square = 16a - 8$ combine like terms
$-a - 69 = -8$
$-a = 61$
$a = $ divide both sides by $-1$

Explanation:

Step1: Identify first operation

The step $3(5a - 18) - 15 = 16a - 8$ to $15a - 54 - 15 = 16a - 8$ uses the distributive property.
Description: Distributive property

Step2: Combine constant terms

Calculate $-54 - 15$ to fill the blank.

$$\begin{align} -54 - 15 &= -69 \end{align}$$

Step3: Isolate variable term

Subtract $15a$ from both sides to get $-a - 69 = -8$.
Description: Subtract $15a$ from both sides

Step4: Isolate $-a$ term

Add 69 to both sides to get $-a = 61$.
Description: Add 69 to both sides

Step5: Solve for $a$

Divide both sides by $-1$ to find $a$.

$$\begin{align} a &= \frac{61}{-1} = -61 \end{align}$$

Answer:

1. First dropdown: Distributive property
2. Blank term: $69$
3. Second dropdown: Subtract $15a$ from both sides
4. Third dropdown: Add 69 to both sides
5. Final value of $a$: $-61$