Distribute -1 into the brackets.
-2(a - 8) + 6a = 36
-2a + 16 + 6a = 36
Take 16 to the other side
-2a + 6a + 16 = 36
- 16 -16
-2a + 6a = 36 - 16
Combine like terms
4a = 20
Divide by 4 on either sides to isolate a
[tex] \frac{4a}{4} = \frac{20}{4} [/tex]
4 and 4 cancels out.
a = 5
