7a+11=5a-9
7a+11=5a-9
Since 5a contains the variable to solve for, move it to the left-hand side of the equation by subtracting 5a from both sides.
7a+11-5a=-9
Since 7a and -5a are like terms, add -5a to 7a to get 2a.
2a+11=-9
Since 11 does not contain the variable to solve for, move it to the right-hand side of the equation by subtracting 11 from both sides.
2a=-11-9
Subtract 9 from -11 to get -20.
2a=-20
Divide each term in the equation by 2.
(2a)/(2)=-(20)/(2)
Simplify the left-hand side of the equation by canceling the common terms.
a=-(20)/(2)
Simplify the right-hand side of the equation by simplifying each term.
a=-10