solve for a.\n12a - 16a = -8\na =

Explanation:

Step1: Combine like - terms

$12a-16a=(12 - 16)a=-4a$. So the equation becomes $-4a=-8$.

Step2: Solve for a

Divide both sides of the equation $-4a=-8$ by $-4$. We get $a=\frac{-8}{-4}$.

Step3: Simplify the right - hand side

$\frac{-8}{-4}=2$.

Answer:

$2$