In a+3(5a+8)=72, how do you find a?

Question

order of operations

Answer 1

The expression is  a + 3(5a + 8) = 72.

To simplify the expression following order of operations to performed:

1. Evaluate the expressions inside grouping symbols.
2. Evaluate powers
3. Multiply and/or Divide in order from left to right.
4. Add and/or Subtract in order from left to righ

Evaluate the expressions inside grouping symbols.

a + 3(5a + 8) - 72 = 0

Next operation is mutiplecation

a + 15a + 24 = 72

Next operation is addition

16a  = 72 - 24

a = 48/16 = 3.

The value of a = 3.