We want to solve for the variable a. Which means, we will need to algebraically manipulate the equation where a is on one side and everything else is on the opposite side.
So, we have this equation here: a + (-1.3) = -4.5
What could we do to get a variable alone? Well, we could add 1.3 to the left-hand side to take out the -1.3. But, everything thing you do on one side, you do to the opposite side. So, we keep the equation true.
a + (-1.3) + 1.3 = -4.5 + 1.3
a = -3.2
So, now we have arrived at our answer. The variable a is -3.2.
