Question: Solve for a.
15 - \frac{a}{12} = 22
1. **State the problem:** Solve the two-step equation $$15 - \frac{a}{12} = 22$$ for the variable $$a$$.
2. **Isolate the term with $$a$$:** Subtract 15 from both sides to move constants to one side.
$$15 - \frac{a}{12} - 15 = 22 - 15$$
which simplifies to
$$- \frac{a}{12} = 7$$
3. **Eliminate the negative sign:** Multiply both sides by $$-1$$ to get rid of the negative.
$$-1 \times \left(- \frac{a}{12}\right) = -1 \times 7$$
which gives
$$\frac{a}{12} = -7$$
4. **Solve for $$a$$:** Multiply both sides by 12 to isolate $$a$$.
$$12 \times \frac{a}{12} = 12 \times (-7)$$
Show canceling the 12 in the denominator and numerator:
$$\cancel{12} \times \frac{a}{\cancel{12}} = -84$$
which simplifies to
$$a = -84$$
5. **Final answer:** $$a = -84$$
This means the value of $$a$$ that satisfies the equation is $$-84$$.