To solve the equation \(-16 - 7a = 5\), follow these steps:
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Add 16 to both sides of the equation: \[ -7a = 5 + 16 \] \[ -7a = 21 \]
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Divide both sides by -7 to isolate \(a\): \[ a = \frac{21}{-7} \] \[ a = -3 \]
So the solution is: \[ a = -3 \]