Multi-Step Equations with Parenthesis and Stuff - Free Printable

Let’s solve the equation step by step.

We start with:

5 + 10(a + 2) = 35

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Step 1: Use the Distributive Property

That means we multiply 10 by each term inside the parentheses:

10 × a = 10a
10 × 2 = 20

So now the equation becomes:

5 + 10a + 20 = 35

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Step 2: Combine like terms on the left side

5 and 20 are both numbers (constants), so add them:

5 + 20 = 25

Now the equation is:

10a + 25 = 35

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Step 3: Get rid of the +25 on the left side

Subtract 25 from both sides to keep the equation balanced:

10a + 25 – 25 = 35 – 25
→ 10a = 10

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Step 4: Solve for “a”

Divide both sides by 10:

10a ÷ 10 = 10 ÷ 10
→ a = 1

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✔ Let’s check our answer by plugging it back into the original equation:

Original: 5 + 10(a + 2) = 35
Plug in a = 1:
5 + 10(1 + 2) = 5 + 10(3) = 5 + 30 = 35 ✔

It works!

Final Answer:
a = 1