How do you solve - 4 (7a+5) = - 160

-4 (7a+5) = - 160

distribute the - 4 on the left hand side

-4 * 7a + - 4*5 = - 160

-28a + -20 = 160

-28a - 20 = - 160

add 20 to each side

-28a-20+20 = - 160 + 20

-28a = - 140

divide by - 28 on each side

-28a/-28 = - 140/-28

a = 5

Answer: a=5

-4 (7a+5) = - 160

=>4 (7a+5) = 160 (Removing the negative signs by switching the sides)

=>4 (7a+5) / 4 = 160/4 (Dividing both sides by 4)

=>7a+5 = 40

=>7a+5-5 = 40-5 (Subtarcting 5 from both sides)

=>7a = 35

=>7a/7 = 35/7 (Dividing both sides by 7)

Therefore, a=5 (Answer)