<span>Step 1: Simplify both sides of the equation.</span> −(5−(a+1))=9−(5−(2a−3))<span /> −(5−(a+1))=9+−1(5−(2a−3))<span>(Distribute the Negative Sign)</span>−(5−(a+1))=9+(−1)(5)+−1(−2a)+(−1)(3)<span />−(5−(a+1))=9+−5+2a+−3<span />a+−4=9+−5+2a+−3<span>(Distribute)</span>a−4=(2a)+(9+−5+−3)<span>(Combine Like Terms)</span>a−4=2a+1<span />a−4=2a+1<span /><span>Step 2: Subtract 2a from both sides.</span>a−4−2a=2a+1−2a<span />−a−4=1<span /><span>Step 3: Add 4 to both sides.</span>−a−4+4=1+4<span />−a=5<span /><span>Step 4: Divide both sides by -1.</span>−a−1=5−1<span />a=−5<span />
