How to do: - 8 (1-a) = -7 - (1-3a)

In this question, you're solving for a.

Solve for a:

-8 (1 - a) = -7 - (1 - 3a)

use the distributive property

-8 + 8a = - 7 - (1 - 3a)

-8 + 8a = - 7 - 1 + 3a

combine like terms

-8 + 8a = - 8 + 3a

subtract 3a from both sides

-8 + 5a = - 8

add 8 to both sides

5a = 0

divide both sides by 5

a = 0