Ivy collects rainwater in a large barrel that weighs 35 pounds. when there are 10 gallons of water in the barrel, the total weight of the barrel and the water is 118.4 pounds. when there are 20 gallons of water, the total weight is 201.8 pounds.

what's the question here?

5=812a+9+3

step 1: simplify both sides of the equation.

5=812a+9+3

5=(812a)+(9+3)(combine like terms)

5=812a+12

5=812a+12

step 2: flip the equation.

812a+12=5

step 3: subtract 12 from both sides.

812a+12−12=5−12

812a=−7

step 4: divide both sides by 812.

812a /812 = -7/812

a= -1/116

so the answer is

a=   -1/116