Chapter 2 - Solving Equations - 2-4 Solving Equations With Variables on Both Sides - Practice and Problem-Solving Exercises - Page 106: 36

a=.3939

$ 3a+1=-3.6(a-1) \\\\ 3a+1=-3.6a+3.6 \\\\ 3a-2.6=-3.6a \\\\ -2.6=-6.6a \\\\ a=.3939$ We first use the distributive property on the right side of the equation to simplify. We then subtract by 3.6 on both sides. Next, we subtract by 3a on both sides. Finally, we divide by -6.6 to get that a=.3939