Solve for a.

-50 = - 2 (a + 3)

-50=-2 (a+3)

-2 (a+3) = -50

-2 (a+3) / -2=-50/-2

a+3=25

a+3-3=25-3

a=22

a=22

because

-50=-2 (a+3) ... first distribute

-50=-2a-6 ... then you want to get - 50 and - 6 on the same side

so, add 6 to both sides and

-44=-2a ... divide both sides by - 2

a=22

your welcome!